Evaluation of a self-care education program for older adults in Iran using a lifestyle improvement model

Background: Older adults and their caregivers often believe it is either too late or too difficult to make health-focused lifestyle changes. However, this is inaccurate, as older adults can make health promotion focused lifestyle changes thereby improving their health. This study developed and evaluated a self-care education program using Pender's Health Promotion Model and its influence on health-focused behaviour changes among older Iranians. Method: This was a quasi-experimental study with a convenience sample of 136 community-living older adults from Tabriz, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n = 69) or control (n = 67) group. Chi-square test, independent t tests and Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) statistical methods were used to compare pre- and post-intervention data, control and intervention groups and changes over time. The intervention was an eight-week educational program with pre- and post-intervention data collected using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) questionnaire. Results: The mean difference and confidence limits of the older adults' health behaviours pre- and post-intervention scores were 2.228 (−5.450 – 9.916) and - 35.820 (−32.051 – 39.588). The covariance analysis adjusting for the baseline values showed significant differences post-intervention (p<0.0001) in the areas of interpersonal communication, physical activity, nutrition, stress management and spiritual growth. Conclusion: The health promotion education intervention illustrated that older Iranians could improve their health outcomes in several areas. Thus, culturally tailored intervention programs can be successful in challenging the opinion that older adults cannot make behaviour changes supporting their health.