Factors Influencing Self- Efficiency of Rural Women in Malard County

Abstract

The main purpose of this descriptive-correlational research was to determine the factors underpinning rural women's self-efficiency in Malard County, Iran. The statistical population consisted of all rural women in Malard County (N=23636). The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula (n=613) and they were selected by the stratified random sampling method. Data for the study were gathered with a structured questionnaire whose content validity was determined based on inputs by experts in the field and a review of the relevant literature. Cronbach's alpha test was used to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. The data analysis was performed using SPSS v.18. The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a positive and significant correlation of educational and extension factors, participation in family decision-making, social factors, spatial dynamics, economic factors, self-esteem factors, and the capacity to deal with shocks and stresses with self- efficiency of rural women. There was also a negative and significant relationship between age and self-efficiency of rural women. The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that economic factor (R²=0.437), educational and extension factor (R2= 0.507), self-esteem factor (R²= 0.539), and social factor (R²= 0.545) were the most important factors contributing to the dependent variable (rural women self-efficiency), respectively.