Socio-demographic determinants of health-related lifestyle and self-assessment of health in women

Abstract

Introduction: Lifestyle is recognised as a key determinant of human health, and at the same time is subject to modification. When women enter the menopausal and postmenopausal periods they are prone to the occurrence of many diseases. A healthy lifestyle can improve the quality of life in women during menopause and the onset of old age. Aim of the study: To assess the sociodemographic characteristics of lifestyle and health self-assessment of women over 45 years of age in the population of the city of Krakow. Material and methods: The research used the diagnostic survey method applying standardised tools. The Healthy Lifestyle Scale was utilised to collect data for the assessment of women's lifestyles. The Polish adaptation of the Nottingham Health Profile Questionnaire was used to examine health self-assessment. In total, 453 correctly completed questionnaires of randomly selected women collected between 2015 and 2016 were qualified for the analysis. Results: The study confirmed that women with higher education and better financial status are more likely to lead a healthy lifestyle. Health self-assessment is highest among the youngest of the surveyed age groups, among working professionals, and women who are married or in a partnership, as well as the respondents with higher education. Conclusions: The conducted research indicates that the choices made by women regarding healthy lifestyles are highly unsatisfactory and largely dependent on sociodemographic characteristics. It is necessary to take measures to modify the health behaviours and quality of life of women due to insufficient compliance with recommendations.