Participation in the Gyeongsangbuk-do Health Saemaeul Program and Health Behavior Improvement Effect

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine association between participation degree and any changes in health behaviors in the Gyeongsangbuk-do Health Saemaeul Program, a community-based health promotion project. Methods The study used surveys of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Health Saemaeul Program, in 2016, 2018 and data from KOSIS. Results The multi-level linear regression analysis was completed with a total health behavior improvement score based on the six types of health behavior changes. People with temporal participation showed a higher total health behavior improvement score than the non-participants. Females showed a higher total health behavior improvement score than males and people with any chronic diseases showed a higher total health behavior improvement score than those without. None of the community-related variables showed any statistical significances. The results of the stratified analysis according to individual and community-related variables revealed that a group with the following community-related characteristics were more likely to have a higher total health behavior improvement score according to the participation degree; (1) a higher proportion of vulnerable subjects, (2) a higher financial self-reliance, and (3) a higher participation degree with willingness. No statistical significance was revealed with the individual characteristics. Conclusions In order to enhance health status of its residents in a community-level, designing an integrated health promotion program in considering the community characteristics would be more effective. In order to improve the quality of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Saemaeul Health Program and to expand its effects, an establishment of strategic plans is required at the level of selecting the target community. Key words: Participation of resident, Health behaviors, Health village, Health Saemaeul Program