A Structural Equation Model on Health Behavior Adherence for Elders with Prehypertension: Based on Self-Determination Theory

Lee, Eunha; Park, Jee Won

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to develop and test a hypothetical model which explains health behavior adherence in elderly people with prehypertension. The model was based on self-determination theory (SDT).
METHODS
Data were collected from June 21 to July 15, 2010, using self-report questionnaires. The participants were 140 elders with prehypertension who lived in D Metropolitan City. Collected data were analyzed using PASW 18.0 for descriptive statistics and correlation analysis and AMOS 5.0 for covariance structure analysis.
RESULTS
It appeared that the overall fit index was good with a chi2 score of 13.23 (p<0.05), GFI of 0.97, AGFI of 0.79 and RMR of 0.28 in the modified model. The results revealed that significant main effects of both health provider's autonomy support and autonomous motivations were found on the measure of health behavior adherence. These factors explained 72% of variance in the participants, health behavior adherence.
CONCLUSION
The overall findings may provide useful assistance in developing effective motivation-enhanced programs for health behavior adherence.