Determinants of Health Promotion Behavior in Active Duty Air Force Personnel.

Abstract

Abstract : Increased attention has been given to health promotion and disease prevention activities within today's ever-changing health care system. Health continues to be a valued personal commodity. Several researchers have identified health promotion, disease prevention, and a lifestyle of wellness as issues that promote quality of life and personal satisfaction, ultimately reducing health care expenses. Within the Air Force (AF), emphasis has also been placed on health promoting behavior. Readiness, both physical and mental, are universal goals within the military environment. However, the AF has a paucity of research regarding health promotion behavior and characteristics that influence a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this research study will be to determine the extent which locus of control and demographics, as selected factors of Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model(HPM), can predict health promotion behavior in a sample of 100 active duty Air Force personnel. A predictive correlational design will clearly exhibit the extent which locus of control and demographic variables (age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, income, children, education, military rank, occupation, hours worked per week) variables can predict health promoting behaviors in active duty Air Force members.