SELF-EFFICACY IN ADOLESCENTS AND ITS SOCIO DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS

It is believed that to be successful in behavior changes and health promotion,
individuals need to find themselves efficient to overcome possible barriers of behavior change.
Considering the important role of self-efficacy in health promotion and importance of adolescence
period in the lifetime, this study aimed to determine the self-efficacy status and its effective factors in
adolescents aged 14 to 18 years in Sanandaj.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 1,500 adolescents aged 14-18 years (750 boys
and 750 girls) enrolled in public, semi-public and private schools in Sanandaj. The random sampling
method was used. We used the Sherer general self-efficacy scale and socio-demographic
questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine socio-demographic predictors
of self-efficacy.
Results: The mean (standard deviation) score of self-efficacy was 3.60 (0.59) of the possible range
score of 1-5. There was significant correlation between self-efficacy and variables of current suffering
from disease, continuous drug use, course of study, field of study, father's job and household income
level. This variables accounted for 3% of the variance in adolescents' self-efficacy score.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the self-efficacy score was average upward. With
attention to significant impact of the self-efficacy on health promoting behaviors and reduction of
risky behaviors, it is necessary to offer strategies to increase adolescent self-efficacy.