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A Social–Cognitive Model to Predict the Use of Assistive Devices for Mobility and Self-Care in Elderly People

^a Ghent University, Faculty of Psychology, Research Group Ageing Studies, Belgium
^b Free University of Brussels, Public Health Care, Belgium

Correspondence: Marc Roelands, MA, Ghent University, Faculty of Psychology, Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. E-mail: marc.roelands{at}rug.ac.be.

Decision Editor: Laurence G. Branch, PhD

Purpose: To provide insight into the contribution of psychological variables in understanding use and nonuse of assistive devices (ADs) for self-care and mobility. Design and Methods: A survey on a representative sample of 491 community-dwelling elderly people in Flanders was conducted. A theoretical model of the factors predicting the use of ADs was tested with path analysis. Results: The possession and use of 32 ADs were found to be bivariately related to intention to use ADs, awareness of ADs, attitude toward AD use, subjective norm regarding AD use, self-efficacy concerning AD use, and socio-demographic characteristics. In regression analyses the intention to use ADs was found to be related to self-efficacy concerning AD use, attitude toward AD use, and subjective norm regarding AD use. Implications: This study suggests that a social–cognitive model of human behavior can be helpful in explaining the use of ADs. The model can suggest measures to be developed aiming to improve the introduction of ADs.

Key Words: Socioeconomic status • Self-efficacy • Attitude • Care • Planned behavior

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