Volume 34, Issue 237 (10-2024)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2024, 34(237): 75-88 |
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Hamzehgardeshi Z, Rashidi E, Rezaei Abhari F. Health-Promoting Lifestyle in Vulnerable Women and Related Demographic Factors in Iran. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2024; 34 (237) :75-88
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-21023-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-21023-en.html
Abstract: (284 Views)
Background and purpose: Women are considered more vulnerable than men due to various biological, genetic, and physical factors, including conditions such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. Additionally, societal structures contribute to this vulnerability. Factors such as the lack of social justice, gender biases, unemployment, unequal job opportunities, insecurity, limited access to education, cultural problems, traditional gender roles, and a lack of recognition for women's capacity and potential all exacerbate the vulnerability of women. Over recent decades, the population of vulnerable women has increased significantly. On the other hand, health-promoting behaviors are major determinants of public health. Therefore, this study was designed and conducted to assess health-enhancing lifestyles among women who visited the Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center in Sari city, as well as the related demographic and social factors.
Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 174 vulnerable women who visited the Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center in Sari city. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire that measured socio-demographic factors and health-promoting lifestyles. The questionnaire comprised 52 items in six areas: nutrition (9 questions), physical activity (8 questions), health responsibility (9 questions), stress management (8 questions), interpersonal relationships (9 questions), and spiritual growth (9 questions). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20). Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, mean, median, and standard deviation, were used to summarize demographic characteristics. For inferential analysis, the normality of variables was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Independent t-tests and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare health-promoting lifestyle scores across two-level and multi-level variables, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient and linear regression were also employed for further analysis.
Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) scores for the components of the health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire were as follows: self-actualization (mean ± SD: 28.12±6.77), health responsibility (31.90±6.18), interpersonal support (19.25±4.65), stress management (11.13±3.35), physical activity (14.83±5.62), and nutrition (19.81±4.96). The highest and lowest scores were observed in the components of health responsibility and stress management, respectively. Overall, the mean score for health-promoting lifestyles was 127.02±23.23, with 43.3% of participants having a favorable health-promoting lifestyle. Logistic regression analysis revealed that socio-demographic variables such as age, education, occupation, monthly income sufficiency, and history or current infection with sexually transmitted diseases were significantly associated with the desirability of health-promoting lifestyles (P=0.001). The coefficient of determination (R²=0.34) indicated that these variables accounted for 34% of the variance in health-promoting lifestyle scores.
Conclusion: Given the importance of health-promoting behaviors in improving public health, particularly among women, it is essential to identify and enhance these behaviors through applied and interventional studies. Increasing awareness and addressing socio-demographic factors can play a crucial role in improving women's health.
Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 174 vulnerable women who visited the Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center in Sari city. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire that measured socio-demographic factors and health-promoting lifestyles. The questionnaire comprised 52 items in six areas: nutrition (9 questions), physical activity (8 questions), health responsibility (9 questions), stress management (8 questions), interpersonal relationships (9 questions), and spiritual growth (9 questions). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20). Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, mean, median, and standard deviation, were used to summarize demographic characteristics. For inferential analysis, the normality of variables was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Independent t-tests and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare health-promoting lifestyle scores across two-level and multi-level variables, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient and linear regression were also employed for further analysis.
Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) scores for the components of the health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire were as follows: self-actualization (mean ± SD: 28.12±6.77), health responsibility (31.90±6.18), interpersonal support (19.25±4.65), stress management (11.13±3.35), physical activity (14.83±5.62), and nutrition (19.81±4.96). The highest and lowest scores were observed in the components of health responsibility and stress management, respectively. Overall, the mean score for health-promoting lifestyles was 127.02±23.23, with 43.3% of participants having a favorable health-promoting lifestyle. Logistic regression analysis revealed that socio-demographic variables such as age, education, occupation, monthly income sufficiency, and history or current infection with sexually transmitted diseases were significantly associated with the desirability of health-promoting lifestyles (P=0.001). The coefficient of determination (R²=0.34) indicated that these variables accounted for 34% of the variance in health-promoting lifestyle scores.
Conclusion: Given the importance of health-promoting behaviors in improving public health, particularly among women, it is essential to identify and enhance these behaviors through applied and interventional studies. Increasing awareness and addressing socio-demographic factors can play a crucial role in improving women's health.
Type of Study: Research(Original) |
Subject:
Midwifery
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