Surveyof Prevalence and Attitudes of Health-Related Self-Help Approaches Among Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of health-related self-help approaches among older adults. A cross-sectional survey of community members over 55 years of age enrolled in a health-related program in the Midwestern United States was conducted. Data pertaining to usage, knowledge, costs, self-efficacy, and expectations of four commonly used self-help approaches comprising of self-prayer, relaxation, yoga, and tai chi was collected for older adults. A total of 2,726 (26.4%) respondents completed and returned the questionnaire. Self-prayer was reported as the most common self-help approach with 60% usage. Mean knowledge score was found to be 4.46 units and selfefficacy 4.39 units both in a possible range of 0-12 units. Using logistic regression modeling, knowledge, self-efficacy and expectations were found to be significant predictors for respondents who were in preparation, action or maintenance stages as opposed to pre-contemplation or contemplation. Educational programs that build knowledge, self-efficacy and expectations about self-help approaches among older adults are needed.