Factors affecting quality of life in low-income overweight and obese women: The mediating effects of health-promoting behaviors

Background It is necessary to comprehensively consider the personal and environmental factors of women who experience overweight or obesity and low-income households (WOOL) to improve their quality of life (QoL). Aims The aim of this study was to test a hypothetical path model to estimate the effects of self-efficacy, psychological distress, social support, and health-promoting behaviors (HPB) on QoL and verify the mediating effects of HPB among WOOL. Methods A total of 151 women with a monthly household income less than 50% of the national median income at eight welfare centers in South Korea participated in this study. Data were collected from January to December 2019 and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and Amos 23.0. Results The fit indices of the model were adequate (chi(2) = 0.197, p = .657; normed chi(2) = 0.197, GFI = 0.999, CFI = 1.000, NFI = 0.999, TLI = 1.000, RMSEA = 0.000, and SRMR = 0.005). Self-efficacy had significant indirect and total effects on QoL (beta = 0.064, p = .004, 95% CI [0.015, 0.139]; beta = 0.064, p = .004, 95% CI [0.015, 0.139]). HPB completely mediated the path of self-efficacy to QoL. Social support had significant total, direct, indirect, and total effects on QoL (beta = 0.326, p = .001, 95% CI [0.010, 0.025]; beta = 0.047, p = .015, 95% CI [0.008, 0.120]; beta = 0.373, p = .001, 95% CI [0.015, 0.369]). HPB partially mediated the path of social support to QoL. Psychological distress had significant direct effects on QoL (beta = -0.307, p = .001, 95% CI [-0.022, -0.007]). Self-efficacy, psychological distress, social support, and HPB explained 42.3% of the total variance in QoL. Linking Evidence to Action Integrated nursing interventions that consider self-efficacy, psychological distress, social stress, and HPB can be useful for improving the QoL of WOOL.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to test a hypothesized path model to estimate the effects of self-efficacy, psychological distress, social support, and health-promoting behaviors on quality of life among low-income women experiencing overweight or obesity. The results showed that self-efficacy had a significant indirect and total effect on quality of life, with health-promoting behaviors completely mediating this relationship. Social support had significant effects on quality of life, with health-promoting behaviors partially mediating this relationship. Psychological distress had a significant direct effect on quality of life. Overall, self-efficacy, psychological distress, social support, and health-promoting behaviors explained 42.3% of the total variance in quality of life.