Behaviors toward Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention and Their Relationship with Physical Health Status among Community-dwelling, Middle-aged and Older Women in Indonesia

Abstract

We aim to clarify the behaviors toward noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) prevention focusing on lifestyle-related diseases and physical health status and examine their relationship among community-dwelling women in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study included women aged 45 years and older. Data were collected through an interview using a structured questionnaire; the following parameters were also measured: height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), handgrip strength, and 10 m gait speed. This study found that the majority of women adopted one or more healthy behaviors to prevent NCDs, while few women practiced comprehensive behaviors. Age, satisfaction with house income, living alone, social support, social participation, and household decision making were the determinant factors for behaviors toward NCDs prevention. A high prevalence of underweight (26.4%), overweight (31.9%), obesity (5.6%), high systolic blood pressure (SBP) (62.5%), and low muscle strength (54.2%) were frequently observed. Eating well-balanced meals, avoiding fatty foods, and undergoing blood cholesterol testing had significant correlations with physical health status. It is concluded that the activities at Posyandu Lansia (health village posts for older adults) are necessary to help women with unhealthy eating behaviors and lower physical activity and unawareness of health checkups to maintain focus and to develop a more practical approach to NCDs prevention.

Missed opportunities in hypertension risk factors screening in Indonesia: a mixed-methods evaluation of integrated health post (POSBINDU) implementation

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Role of dietary quality and diversity on overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Tanzania

“…Overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age has been associated with devastating health consequences such as the increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage, premature death, neural tube defects, macrosomia as well as increased risks of caesarean delivery and postpartum morbidity during pregnancy [ 5 – 7 ]. Overweight and obesity have also been associated with increased cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and some cancers, for example, endometrial and breast cancer [ 6 , 8 ].…”

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“…The WHO [1] states that whilst policymakers cannot create participation, more can be done to create "spaces" that enable and encourage social participation, especially involving vulnerable and marginalized communities, such as older people with dementia. Social participation is linked to numerous positive health outcomes, including: increased physical functioning and improved psychosocial wellbeing [2], reduced social isolation [3], reduced risk of functional disability [4], prevention of cognitive decline [5] and other noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or cancers [6], as well as the promotion of active and healthy ageing [7]. Benefits of social participation are relevant for older people who are considered susceptible to the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness on their health and wellbeing [3].…”