Prediction of Self-Efficacy and Behavioral Expectations with Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in Elderly Patients with Functional Constipation

Aims Elderlies are one of the vulnerable groups in the society that are increasing every day. Senility is associated with disability and many chronic diseases. This study was performed to predict the self-efficacy and behavioral expectations in consumption of fruits and vegetables in elderly patients with functional constipation. Instrument Methods This cross-sectional study was performed in the elderly’s population who had 60 years old or higher that were members of Isfahan retirement centers in 2013.163 elderlies were entered to the study by purposeful sampling.Data collection was done by a researcher-made questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS 20 statistical software by one-way variance analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent T test and regression. Findings The mean daily consumption of fruits in elderlies who suffered from functional constipation was 1.61±0.73units and the mean daily consumption of vegetables was 1.31±0.87units.There was no significant difference between the amount of consumption of fruits and vegetables between females and males.There was a significant difference between gender and behavioral expectations (p 0.001). The awareness, self-efficacy and behavioral expectations of married people were higher than singles (p 0.001).All 3 constructs of awareness, self-efficacy and behavioral expectations were the predictor of fruits and vegetables consumption. Conclusion The amount of fruits and vegetables consumption among the elderlies who suffered from constipation is very low.