Relationship between Perceived Health Status and Health Practices in the General Adult Population in Japan

Yukari Noguchi,Chang-Nian Wei,Atsushi Ueda,Kumiko Fukumoto,Kimiyo Ueda,Koichi Harada

doi:10.4236/ojpm.2015.56031

Abstract

In order to design appropriate HIV prevention programs, it is important to examine the perception and knowledge of HIV/AIDS and methods of prevention. This article explores comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods among women and men in slum and non-slum areas in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. Data were drawn from the National Family Health Survey, 2005-06 (NFHS-3). The sample included 3096 women aged 15 - 49 years and 1321 men aged 15 - 54 years. Pearson Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between the study variables and the background characteristics of the slum and non-slum populations. Comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods was significantly lower among women and men in slum areas as compared with non-slum areas. Com-pared to men, women had less comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods in slum and non-slum areas, even after controlling for various demographic and socio-economic and exposure variables. Interventions are needed to build knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention methods through mass media campaigns, and information, education and communica-tion programs (IEC) on HIV/AIDS in slum areas.

Highlights

In 1972, Belloc and Breslow first reported a strong relationship between physical health status and seven lifestyle practices for physical health [1]
We evaluated the usefulness of Breslow’s seven health practices to subjectively assess physical and perceived health status, using a perceived health scale containing all seven health practices
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived health status and Breslow’s seven health practices in the adult population of Japan, and to find effective and simple suggestions of good daily life habits for health and longevity

Summary

Introduction

In 1972, Belloc and Breslow first reported a strong relationship between physical health status and seven lifestyle practices for physical health [1]. The World Health Organization’s definition of health refers to the “complete status of physical, mental, and social well-being.” This definition contrasts with early studies where health status was determined via mortality rates [18]-[20] and chronic conditions (physician ratings and functional ability) [21] [22]. Kaplan et al suggested that perceived health held the key to understanding other psychosocial influences on health. This is a simple, direct, and inclusive method, because it is based on the respondent’s perceptions [25]

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Methods

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Conclusion