A Review of Research on Health Promoting Behaviors of Korean Older Adults

한국 노인의 건강증진행위에 대한 문헌분석 연구

This study was done to suggest directions for research and interventions of health promoting behaviors in Korean older adults in the future. Thirty seven articles for health promoting behaviors in Korean older adults were reviewed and analyzed. Findings are summarized as follows: 1) The total scores of the HPLP in Korean older adults were 2.30-2.44 out of 4 points. In the subscale, the highest degree of performance is nutrition, following interpersonal support, self actualization, stress management, health responsibility and the lowest degree of performance was exercise. 2) The total scores of the Health Behavior Assessment Tool of the Korean Elders were 2.87-3.2 out of 4 points. 3) Among the characteristics of older adults, monthly pocket money, previous job had consistently significant relationships with health promoting behaviors. Sex, job and presence of disease were consistently insignificant relationships with health promoting behaviors. 4) Perceived health status, self efficacy, self esteem, family support and social support had consistently significant correlations with health promoting behaviors. 5) In regression analysis, self efficacy, family support, depression, self esteem were the most powerful predictors of health promoting behavior in more than two articles. Predictors accounted for 14.2-65.2 % of the variance in health promoting behaviors of Korean older adults. On the basis of above findings, It is necessary to develop the interventions for more regular practice of the health promoting behaviors in Korean older adults. The interventions are recommended to focus increasing the exercise & health responsibility and to use the strategies to increase self esteem, self efficacy, social support including family support.