Comparative self efficacy in elderly and non-elderly residents of family and nursing home in Shahrekord

Introduction and Self efficacy is associated with psychological aspects of elderly’s life، such as health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare the seniors’ self-efficacy between institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly in Shahrekord. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 women and men aged more than 60 years old. Sherer’s New General Self-efficacy scale (NGSES) was used to measure the self-efficacy and data were analyzed using SPSS 16. According to the results of this study، mean of self-efficacy was 51. 76 ± 11 for non-institutionalized elderly. However، mean of self-efficacy for institutionalized elderly was 48 48. 44±5. 26. There was a significant correlation between score of self-efficacy among institutionalized elderly and female gender (p=0. 035)، history of live in rural areas (p=0. 041)، and more level of satisfaction with the nursing home (P=0. 048). The lower score of self-efficacy in institutionalized elderly indicates that authorities should pay more attention toward the needs and demands of elderly residing in nursing homes. On the other hand، it is beneficial to educate publics on adherence to the type of living arrangement in which aged members stay with the family till their last day.