Interaction effect of self-efficacy and joint problems on hearing aid abandonment among older adults

Abstract

Objective: We assessed the interaction between self-efficacy and joint problems and self-efficacy and visual problems on the risk of hearing aid abandonment in older adults. Design: A retrospective cohort study comprising older adults who received hearing aids in Chile was conducted. Hearing aid self-efficacy was measured using the S-MARS-HA questionnaire, while joint and visual problems were assessed through self-reported questions. Survival regression models were conducted to investigate the interaction between self-efficacy and joint problems, as well as self-efficacy and visual problems. Study sample: The study included 355 older adults who received hearing aids through the Chilean public health sector. Results: A significant interaction effect indicated that the relationship between self-efficacy and the risk abandonment was influenced by joint problems (p < 0.05). In the subpopulation with joint problems, self-efficacy was associated with a reduced risk of hearing aid abandonment (HR = 0.81), whereas in the subpopulation without joint problems, the protective effect was more pronounced (HR = 0.52). The interaction between self-efficacy and visual problems was not significant. Conclusions: The interaction between self-efficacy and joint problems was associated with the risk of abandonment. Addressing limitations associated with joint problems and individuals’ confidence in using their hearing aids could reduce the abandonment.