Factors influencing self-care in young adults in Tehran, Iran

Self-care is considered the most important issue for preserving and maintaining health. The present study aimed to investigate the components of the health belief model and peer pressure on self-care behaviors in adolescents.

This was a descriptive study. The samples were selected through multistage cluster sampling among adolescents from three regions of Tehran. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22.

A total of 384 individuals participated in the study [217 male (56.5%), and 167 female (43.5%)]. The mean age of the respondents was 26.03 years (SD = 5.03), and the mean self-care score was 0.46 (SD = 0.49). The results of the logistic regression analysis investigating the factors influencing youth self-care showed that with a one-point increase in perceived barriers, self-care decreased by 95% (OR=0.04, 95% Cl: 0.01-0.14, p<0.001); with one-point increase in peer pressure, self-care decreased by 0.69 (OR=0.3, 95% Cl: 0.12-0.75, p=0.010). Self-care in single individuals was 2.80 times higher than married individuals (OR=2.80, 95% Cl: 1.94 - 6.57, P= 0.018), and in students, it was 2.75 times higher than employed individuals (OR=2.75, 95% Cl: 1.10 - 6.88, P= 0.030). There was no significant relationship between self-care and other independent variables such as age, gender, educational status, perceived benefits, and perceived threat.

The study results indicated that the beliefs of young individuals about health behaviors influence their self-care practices. Individuals who perceive more barriers tend to engage in less self-care. It appears that appropriate educational interventions can enhance the self-care practices of young individuals.