SELF-EFFICACY IN ADOLESCENTS AND ITS SOCIO DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS

It is believed that to be successful in behavior changes and health promotion, individuals need to find themselves efficient to overcome possible barriers of behavior change. Considering the important role of self-efficacy in health promotion and importance of adolescence period in the lifetime, this study aimed to determine the self-efficacy status and its effective factors in adolescents aged 14 to 18 years in Sanandaj. This study was conducted on 1,500 adolescents aged 14-18 years (750 boys and 750 girls) enrolled in public, semi-public and private schools in Sanandaj. The random sampling method was used. We used the Sherer general self-efficacy scale and socio-demographic questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine socio-demographic predictors of self-efficacy. The mean (standard deviation) score of self-efficacy was 3.60 (0.59) of the possible range score of 1-5. There was significant correlation between self-efficacy and variables of current suffering from disease, continuous drug use, course of study, field of study, father's job and household income level. This variables accounted for 3% of the variance in adolescent's self-efficacy score. Based on the findings of this study, the self-efficacy score was average upward. With attention to significant impact of the self-efficacy on health promoting behaviors and reduction of risky behaviors, it is necessary to offer strategies to increase adolescent self-efficacy.