Abstract
BackgroundPromoting a positive lifestyle change is a challenge for primary health care. The aim of this study was to analyze health and risk-related beliefs and attitudes in relation to lifestyle and lifestyle change in a rural community.MethodsThe study was based on a five-year follow-up data of the Lapinlahti study (N = 361). The same structured questionnaire was used at baseline and follow-up with lifestyle items. These were ranked as unhealthy (− 1), neutral (0) or healthy (+ 1). At baseline, participants took a stand on 29 statements related to beliefs and attitudes towards health and health promotion on a 5-point Likert scale. A factor analysis yielded two attitude factors (Factor 1 = underrating risks/resistant to change); (Factor 2 = helplessness/pessimism). The factors were divided into tertiles.ResultsThere was a linear positive trend (P < 0.001) in baseline lifestyle scores between the tertiles of Factor 1. A positive follow-up change of lifestyle score was found in all tertiles of Factor 1. For Factor 2, the difference between tertiles at baseline was non-significant. There was a significant positive change in all tertiles of Factor 2. Those who were underrating/ resistant but not helpless/pessimistic had the most significant positive lifestyle change. Those who were underrating/resistant and helpless/pessimistic did not improve their lifestyles.ConclusionsBeliefs and attitudes are related to lifestyle. Subjects with underrating and resistant attitudes with pessimism/helplessness seem to have a low potential for lifestyle change while those with resistant attitudes without pessimism and helplessness may have the most significant potential for lifestyle change. These findings suggest that it is possible to identify different groups of people with different needs and readiness and ability for health behavior change.
Highlights
Promoting a positive lifestyle change is a challenge for primary health care
Factor 1 can be defined as underrating risks and negative attitude towards health promotion (Factor 1 = “underrating/ resistant”)
Factor 2 can be defined as helplessness and pessimism towards health behavior change (Factor 2 = “helplessness/pessimism”)
Summary
Promoting a positive lifestyle change is a challenge for primary health care. The aim of this study was to analyze health and risk-related beliefs and attitudes in relation to lifestyle and lifestyle change in a rural community. Promoting health and well-being is among the core competencies of primary care [1]. Health promotion is challenging [2]; alcohol use, tobacco use, high blood pressure, high body mass index (BMI), high cholesterol, high blood glucose, low fruit and vegetable intake, and physical inactivity account for 61% of cardiovascular deaths [3]. The European Network on Prevention and Health Promotion (EUROPREV) [4] study indicated that. Some types of behaviors, such as smoking, can enhance risks while others, such as exercise, can be seen more as promoting health, and some behaviors may be a part of disease treatment (such as weight control in diabetes).
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