BMC Geriatr. 2025 Sep 3;25(1):685. doi: 10.1186/s12877-025-06229-5.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The world’s elderly population is increasing. Due to the increase in musculoskeletal disorders in this group and the multifactorial nature of this disease, this study investigated the effective factors in preventing musculoskeletal pain in the elderly living in nursing homes, based on the Health Belief Model.
METHODS: A cross-sectional design was conducted with a random sample of 311 older adult nursing home residents in the Kahrizak nursing home, whose aims were to identify the determinants influencing musculoskeletal pain prevention practices (intake of vitamin D, stress management, and correct body posture). Health Belief Model (HBM) questionnaires were employed to gather data, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain severity, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22 software and statistical indicators (frequency, percentage, and correlation). This study applied the Partial Least Squares technique of Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using Smart PLS software to test the proposed relationships among the study variables. AMOS was employed to verify the hypothesized relationships between the constructs of the HBM using covariance-based structural equation modeling, whereas Smart PLS was utilized to evaluate the predictive performance of the model, especially for formative constructs like cues to action.
RESULTS: The average age of the elderly was 75.3. The correlation between age, weight, and depression was significant. The highest R² value for cues to action was 0.426. Results showed that knowledge had a strong impact on perceived benefits and self-efficacy, perceived sensitivity and severity had moderate impacts, and perceived barriers had a negative correlation with preventive behaviors. R² value of 0.426 indicated that measures like knowledge, self-efficacy, and stress management captured some variance on the construct cues to action and are an important element in HBM’s core model, driving seniors to perform musculoskeletal pain prevention activities.
CONCLUSION: Given that cues to action were a significant predictor of doing MSD preventive behaviours, frequent reminder mechanisms, such as daily reminders or educational programming, are recommended to convince older adults to take preventive measures, including vitamin D intake and correct posturing.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20220904055881N1. Registered on 11 February 2023.
PMID:40903726 | DOI:10.1186/s12877-025-06229-5
