Self-efficacy in adopting health-promoting behaviors and metabolic health outcomes: A comparative analysis across adults populations.
Higher exercise self-efficacy is linked to lower odds of metabolic syndrome in men, but psychological well-being self-efficacy may have the opposite effect.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the slu-pp-332 (exercise mimetic) corpusSummary and findings
This study examined the association between self-efficacy in adopting health-promoting behaviors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults. The analysis included 5,947 adults aged ≥20 years, with a focus on self-efficacy related to exercise and psychological well-being. Findings indicated that higher exercise self-efficacy was associated with decreased odds of MetS in men.
Abstract
<h4>Background and aims</h4>This study aimed to examine the association between self-efficacy in adopting health-promoting behaviors with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in adults men and women.<h4>Methods</h4>This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study data, including 5,947 adults (54.3% females) aged ≥ 20 years. MetS was defined based on the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria. Self-efficacy was assessed using the validated Persian Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices (SRAHP) scale that evaluated four subscales: exercise, nutrition, responsible health practices, and psychological well-being. Logistic and linear regression were used to analyze the data.<h4>Results</h4>The MetS prevalence was significantly higher in men than in women (37.21% vs. 25.43%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the association between self-efficacy and MetS remained significant only in men. Specifically, a higher perception of exercise self-efficacy was associated with decreased odds of MetS (OR = 0.98, CI: 0.96, 0.99, <i>p</i> = 0.018), whereas higher psychological well-being self-efficacy was associated with increased odds of MetS (OR = 1.02, CI: 1.00, 1.04, <i>p</i> = 0.027). A greater exercise self-efficacy was inversely associated with waist circumference and lipid-related profiles in both sexes. However, associations between other SRAHP subscales and MetS components differed between men and women.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Self-efficacy was more strongly associated with MetS in men. Enhancing self-efficacy, particularly for exercise, may benefit the management of metabolic health, though approaches may need to be tailored between men and women. Given the cross-sectional design, these findings are exploratory and require longitudinal confirmation.<h4>Supplementary information</h4>The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-026-02063-7.
Background
This paper addresses the relationship between self-efficacy in health-promoting behaviors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults. Previous research has indicated that self-efficacy can influence health behaviors, but its specific impact on MetS components was not well understood. This study is significant as it explores these associations in a large adult population, potentially informing future health interventions.
Methods
This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, including 5,947 adults aged ≥20 years, with 54.3% being females. MetS was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria. Self-efficacy was measured using the Persian Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices (SRAHP) scale, focusing on exercise, nutrition, responsible health practices, and psychological well-being. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations.
Results
The primary endpoint indicated that the prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in men at 37.21% compared to 25.43% in women, p<0.001. After adjusting for confounders, higher exercise self-efficacy was linked to decreased odds of MetS (OR=0.98, CI: 0.96, 0.99, p=0.018), while higher psychological well-being self-efficacy correlated with increased odds of MetS (OR=1.02, CI: 1.00, 1.04, p=0.027). Additionally, greater exercise self-efficacy was inversely associated with waist circumference and lipid profiles in both sexes.
Interpretation
These findings suggest that while self-efficacy, particularly in exercise, may be beneficial for metabolic health, the effect sizes reported are modest and vary between genders. The study adds to existing literature by highlighting the need for tailored health interventions based on self-efficacy levels. However, the cross-sectional nature of the study limits the ability to draw definitive causal conclusions, and results may not be applicable to other populations.
Key findings
- MetS prevalence was 37.21% in men vs. 25.43% in women, p<0.001.
- Higher exercise self-efficacy was associated with decreased odds of MetS (OR=0.98, CI: 0.96, 0.99, p=0.018).
- Higher psychological well-being self-efficacy was associated with increased odds of MetS (OR=1.02, CI: 1.00, 1.04, p=0.027).
Limitations
- Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
- Findings may not be generalizable beyond the studied population.
- Potential confounding factors not fully accounted for.