The Relationship among Family Support, Self-efficacy, Health Literacy, Perceived Health Status and Health-promoting Behavior in Married Immigrant Women

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the association of family support, self-efficacy, health literacy and perceived health status with health-promoting behavior (HPB) in married immigrant women. Methods: A cross-sectional based survey was conducted to collect data from married immigrant women living in Gyeongsang province. Questionnaires included Health promoting lifestyle profile II, General self - efficacy scale, Korean Health literacy assessment and perceived health status. Results: 157 subjects participated in the study (mean age, 30.47±6.83). Their duration of living in Korea was 63.05±50.11 months. Of the participants, 59.2% were Vietnamese. The level of HPB, perceived health status, health literacy, support of family and self-efficacy were 2.58±0.42, 3.39±0.86, 25.12± 20.99, 3.83±0.70 and 3.61±0.53 respectively. Factors affecting the HPB of the participants were support from family (β =.45, p<.001) and self-efficacy (β=.16, p<.05). The explanatory power of these two variables was 34.2%. Conclusion: This study suggests that the factors influencing the HPB of married immigrant women include support from family and self-efficacy. A variety of programs should be provided for families so that they can support those women to help them increase their HPB. It is recommended that more various programs be provided to increase their self- efficacy.