A Study on Health Behavior of Middle-Aged Women

Choi, Kong Ok; Jo, Hyun Sook; Kim, Chung Youb

doi:2000.6.1.82

J Korean Acad Women Health Nurs > Volume 6(1); 2000 > Article

Original Article

Journal of Korean Academy of Women's Health Nursing 2000;6(1):82-95.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2000.6.1.82

A Study on Health Behavior of Middle-Aged Women

Kong Ok Choi, Hyun Sook Jo, Chung Youb Kim

Department of Nursing, Gachon Gil College, Incheon, Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a basis to recognize the health behaviors of middle-aged women that are constructive to a healthy life style. Data were collected from interview of questionnaires completed by 208 middle-aged women living in Incheon from November 1 to 30, 1999. The questionnaires used in this study were obtained from publications on health-related topics shown in literature review. These topics included : health concept, diseases, use of tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, drug, exercise and diet, cause of stress and stress management. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using the SPSS program. The results of this study were as follows. 1. Middle-aged women though of concept of health as a doing daily living pattern(48.1%). 2. 49.5% of the middle-aged women had illness or disease, which included gastritis, arthritis, anemia, hypertension, indigestion and allergies. 3. 1.4% of the middle-aged women smoked cigarettes. Most of them began to smoke due to stress. 4. 42.3% of the middle-aged women drink alcohol. Most of them began drinking due to peer pressure. 5. 28.8% of the middle-aged women consumed caffeine-containing products 5-7 times per week. 6. 55.3% of the middle-aged women took drugs. Most of the drugs were digestant and analgesics. 7. 21.2% of the middle-aged women exercised more than 2 times per week. 8. Most of causes of stress were economic difficulties and sickness. The method of stress management were enduring and sleeping.

Key Words: Middle-Aged Women; Health Behavior