A Study on Health Behavior of Middle-Aged Women

일지역 중년기 여성의 건강행위에 대한 서술적 연구

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.