Factors Predicting Health Promoting Behaviors in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients

Abstract

          This correlational predictive research aimed to study factors predicting health promoting behaviors in Gastroesophageal reflux disease patients (GERD) using Pender’s Health Promotion Model as a conceptual framework (Pender, 2006). The predicting factors
included body mass index, perceived benefits of action, perceived barriers to action and perceived self-efficacy. The sample comprised 86 patients diagnosed with GERD in Internal
Medicine Outpatient Department, Siriraj Hospital. The samples were selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected using the following questionnaires: 1) Demographic Data Questionnaire; 2) Health Promoting Behavior Questionnaire for GERD Patients; 3) Perceived Benefits of Action Questionnaire; 4) Perceived Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and 5) Perceived Barriers to Action Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.
          According to the findings, 62.8% of the sample were females with a mean age of 55 years (SD = 13.91). The mean body mass index was 23.77 (SD = 3.85). The overall
health promoting behaviors were at a high level (M = 3.22, SD = 0.24). The sample had a moderate level of perceived benefits and perceived self-efficacy in practicing health
promoting behaviors (M = 23.15, SD = 4.87; M = 29.02, SD = 5.03), with low levels of
perceived barriers to health promoting behaviors (M = 26.90, SD = 6.45). The multiple
regression analysis revealed that all independent variables could explain fluctuations in health promoting behaviors at 14.3% with statistical significance (R2 = 0.143, p < 0.05), Only one factor, perceived barriers to action, was found to be able to predict health promoting behaviors with statistical significance (Beta = -0.261, p < 0.05). 

          In line with the research findings, the researchers suggests that healthcare providers should plan to promote coping with perceived barriers affecting the practice of health behaviors for promoting health behaviors in patients with GERD.