A study on the Health Promoting Lifestyle Practices of Middle-Aged Women in Korea

중년여성의 건강증진 생활양식에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among psychosocial well-being, perceived health status and health promoting lifestyle practices. Data has been collected from November 1, 1998 to April 30, 1999. One hundred and ninety eight middle-aged women completed a multiple self-reported questionnaire on psychosocial well-being, perceived health status and health promoting lifestyle profile. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS 7.5 for Windows using Pearson Correlation Coefficients, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test. The Major results of this study were as follows: 1. The average item score for psychosocial well-being was low at 54.49, the level of perceived health status was moderate at 5.74, and health promoting lifestyle practices were low at 112.05. Among the subscales of the health promoting lifestyle profile, self-actualization(3.08) and nutrition(2.92) were scored higher than exercise(1.81) and health responsibility(1.79). 2. The performance of health promoting lifestyle was positively correlated with perceived health status(r= .190) and psychosocial well-being(r= .497). Also, positive correlations were observed between perceived health status and psychosocial well-being(r= .181). 3. There were statistically significant differences for health promoting lifestyle, psychosocial well-being and perceived health status according to sociodemographic variables; the performance of health promoting lifestyle was significantly different according to education, economic status, exercise and smoking. Psychosocial well-being was also significantly different according to education, exercise and drinking. Perceived health status was significantly different according to religion, education, occupation and supporter. These findings help to understand relationships among psychosocial well-being, perceived health status, and health promoting lifestyle practices in middle-aged women in Korea. Therefore, the result of this study provide clues for encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles and constructing alternative strategies for promoting health practices.