Health Behavior Inventory Research Articles

The influence of illness acceptance on the adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy in patients with hypertension.

The available publications show that 50% of patients with hypertension discontinue their medications within the first 12 months after the beginning of treatment. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between the acceptance of illness and the adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy in patients with hypertension. The study included 102 patients with hypertension examined with validated instruments: Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). High (>30 points) and moderate (19-29 points) levels of AIS were presented respectively by 59 and 43 patients. In a univariate analysis, the level of AIS had a statistically significant, independent, positive influence on all domains of the HBI questionnaire: HBI (Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation (rS) =+0.3997), healthy eating habits (rS=+ 0.376), preventive behaviours (rS=+0.242), positive mental attitude (rS=+0.504), health practices (rS=+0.264). In univariate analysis the level of MMAS-8 was influenced by female gender (rS=+0.325; p=0.001), higher education level (rS=+0.241; p=0.015), employment (rS=+0.217; p=0.029) and short duration of illness (rS=+0.229; p=0.022). Multiple regression analysis showed that female gender was an independent predictor of pharmacological adherence (β=+0.325; p=0.001). Illness acceptance was an independent predictor in two domains of the HBI: positive mental attitude HBI domain (β=+0.468; p<0.001) and healthy eating habits (β=+0.321; p=0.001). (1) Correlation analysis shows that illness acceptance is an important factor contributing to a higher level of adherence to non-pharmacological therapy of hypertension (total index of health behaviours: healthy eating habits, preventive behaviours, positive mental attitude, health practice) but has no influence on adherence to pharmacological treatment. (2) Female gender, higher levels of education, and the short duration of the disease significantly improve patients' adherence to the prescribed pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy of hypertension.

Mobile phone owners' health behaviors

Introduction: The consistently growing number of mobile phone users has contributed to increasing interest in the effects of mobile phones on human health. Purpose: To assess the preferred health behaviors of mobile phone users. Materials and methods: The study included 175 mobile phone users and used standardized tools, such as the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale and the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI). Results: Most respondents had an impact on their own health (avg. 26.9 points). Respondents showed the highest level of health behaviors in relation to attitude, whereas the lowest level towards health practices. We distinguished three groups in the study population: with high (14.9%), low (47.4%), and average (37.7%) levels of health behaviors. We cannot unequivocally state that there is a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of certain fungal genera/species on mobile phone and hand surfaces and the health locus of control. Conclusions: The respondents themselves mainly had an impact on their own health, and those in favor of this opinion attached greater importance to washing their hands. Respondents showed the highest level of health behaviors in relation to mental attitude, whereas the lowest level towards preferred health practices. Almost half of the respondents showed low levels of health behaviors, whereas almost every seventh respondent had high levels of health behaviors. No significant relationship was shown between the preferred health behaviors and the frequency of washing hands, the number of colonies and the isolation frequency of fungal strains collected from the surfaces of mobile phones and the hands of their owners.

Factors Affecting Exercise Test Performance in Patients After Liver Transplantation.

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. In addition, low physical activity is a risk factor for cardiac and cerebrovascular complications.ObjectivesThis study examined potential relationships between physical activity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and an exercise test in liver-graft recipients.Patients and MethodsA total of 107 participants (62 men/45 women) who had received a liver transplantation (LT) at least 6 months previously were evaluated. Physical activity was assessed using three different questionnaires, while HRQoL was assessed using the medical outcomes study short form (SF)-36 questionnaire, and health behaviors were evaluated using the health behavior inventory (HBI). The exercise test was performed in a standard manner.ResultsSeven participants (6.5%) had a positive exercise test, and these individuals were older than those who had a negative exercise test (P = 0.04). A significant association between a negative exercise test and a higher level of physical activity was shown by the Seven-day physical activity recall questionnaire. In addition, HRQoL was improved in various domains of the SF-36 in participants who had a negative exercise test. No correlations between physical activity, the exercise test and healthy behaviors, as assessed via the HBI were observed.ConclusionsExercise test performance was affected by lower quality of life and lower physical activity after LT. With the exception of hypertension, well known factors that affect the risk of coronary artery disease had no effect on the exercise test results.

Relationships Between Health Behaviors, Self-Efficacy, and Health Locus of Control of Students at the Universities of the Third Age.

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the relationship of health behaviors with the health locus of control and the sense of self-efficacy against the background of socio-economic factors and self-rated health among students of the Universities of the Third Age (U3As).Material/MethodsThe study included 320 U3A students, with mean age of 67.5 years. The following research tools were used: Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and an original survey of the author’s own design.ResultsMean total HBI and GSES scores were 90.63 and 30.12, respectively. These results are satisfactory. A slight predominance of internal health locus of control was documented. A number of significant correlations were found between the HBI, GSES, and MHLC scores, except for the MHLC subscale expressing the influence of chance. Educational attainment was shown to have a significant impact on the scores for the positive attitude and proper dietary habits subscales of HBI, as well as on the GSES scores. Economic status of the participants influenced the levels of positive attitude, internal health locus of control, and self-efficacy. Furthermore, internal health locus of control was found to be modulated by subjective health of the respondents. The scores for external health locus of control and the influence of chance increased significantly with age.ConclusionsThe currently noticeable emphasis placed on lifelong education should serve as a good prognostic factor for health behaviors and personal health resources for years to come.

Evaluation of the quality of life people infected with HCV – proposed research instruments

I n t r o d u c t i o n. HCV is an important medical and social problem in Poland and worldwide. O b j e c t i ve. Presentation of the instruments for investigating quality of life of patients diagnosed with hepatitis C. R e s u l t s: The World Health Organization Quality Life Assessment Questionnaire (WHOQOL) evaluates the dimensions of the quality of life: physical, psychological, spiritual, independence, social relations, and the patient’s environment. The WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire assesses the quality of a patient’s life within four spheres: physical, psychological, social and environmental. The following questionnaires may also be used: the Hepatitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (HQLQv2), the Chronic Liver Dise­ase Questionnaire (CLDQ), and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire — Hepatitis C (CLDQ–HCV). For the assessment of coping with the disease, the KMORSZCH scale may be applied ( Brief Method of Assessment of Coping with Disease ). The Nottingham Health Profile ( NHP) allows the evaluation of patient’s functioning in daily life. The Health Behaviour Inventory (IZZ) may be an instrument for evaluation of the level of health behaviours. For assessment of health dimensions in the bio-psych-social sphere the List of Health Criteria (LKZ) may be used. Expectations of patients infected with HCV from a general practitioner may be assessed by the Patient Request Form (PRF). The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) allows the assessment of the level of satisfaction with life. The degree of acceptance of the disease may be evaluated by the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), whereas the sense of health control may be evaluated by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC). C o n c l u s i o n s. The presented instruments for evaluation of the quality of life of patients with hepatitis C will enable researchers the recognition of specific aspects of functioning of these patients in the bio-psycho-social sphere.

Health behaviour of miners.

What significantly affects the health of an individual health behaviour. It is of particular importance in the case of people working in very harsh environmental conditions. The aim of this study is to examine health behaviour among miners. The research data was collected with the use of the diagnostic survey method based on the Health Behaviour Inventory questionnaire developed by Juczyński. Two hundred coal miners were surveyed. The results obtained were subjected to a statistical analysis. A significance level of p < 0.05 was assumed, which indicates the occurrence of statistically significant differences or relations. The level of health behaviour among miners may be determined as medium and low. The research group obtained the best results with regard to their mental attitude, while their preventive behaviour received the worst evaluation. The research confirms the necessity of implementing health promotion programmes among miners, which would be focusing particularly on health behaviour.

Initial Validation of the Pleasure and Health Behavior Inventory - A Measure of Motivation to Engage in Health-damaging Behavior to Overcome Deficient Pleasure.

To validate the Pleasure and Health Behavior Inventory (PHBI) - a novel 7-item self-report measure of motivation to engage in addictive, health-damaging behaviors (ie, substance use, gambling, casual sex, overeating) to overcome deficient pleasure. In a cross-sectional analysis of daily cigarette smokers (N = 206), we examined the PHBI's internal consistency, factor structure, and convergent validity with smoking-related characteristics, alcohol and drug use, BMI and other factors. The PHBI had adequate internal consistency and a largely unifactorial structure. The PHBI composite, which amalgamates motivation to engage in several types of unhealthy behaviors for pleasure, positively correlated with unhealthy behaviors. Individual PHBI items were associated with corresponding behavior-specific outcomes. The PHBI may be useful for understanding the psychological underpinnings of health-damaging behavior.

Preferred health behaviors and quality of life of the elderly people in Poland.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess possible differences between a group of residents of public nursing homes (PNH) and a group of members of Universities of the Third Age (UTA) measured using standard psychometric scales.Materials and methodsThe research was conducted between January 3, 2013 and February 15, 2014 on a group of 200 residents of PNH and 200 members of the UTA using five psychometric scales: Standardized Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Standardized Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), Standardized Social Support Scale (SSS), Standardized General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES), and Standardized Multiple Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC).ResultsThe average point total in the Standardized Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) in the group of residents of PNH was 18.03 (Me =19) and was significantly higher (P=0.047) in comparison with the group of UTA members (17.08). Similar to residents of PNH, a vast majority of UTA members assessed the support received from the UTA as good, which significantly influenced their satisfaction from life (P=0.028) and their feeling of self-efficacy (P=0.048). An observed dependence states that the greater the level of satisfaction from life, the greater the level of various types of support from family.ConclusionThis study indicates that biopsychosocial problems decrease quality of life in elderly people. The elderly people require a comprehensive, holistic approach to a variety of problems that occur with aging. In future, extended interdisciplinary research should be carried out on aspects of quality of life in order to optimize comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Self-reported health-related behaviors and dietary habits in patients with metabolic syndrome.

There is an ongoing debate about factors affecting the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle especially in the population without coronary artery disease (CAD) symptoms and with one or several risk factors. The study was aimed at describing self-reported health-related behaviors and dietary habits in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Consecutive patients with an outpatient diagnosis of MetS admitted to our cardiology department underwent clinical examination and cardiovascular risk assessment based on the SCORE scale. Self-reported intensity of pro-healthy behaviors was described using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) developed by Juczynski. Diet quality was assessed using the 24-h dietary recall method, diet history questionnaire and the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI). A total of 113 patients were recruited (90 males, mean age 48 ± 9 years) including 85% of patients with at least moderate cardiovascular risk (SCORE ≥ 1%). Central obesity was confirmed in 100%, family history of CAD in 75%, LDL exceeding 115 mg/dL in 68% of the patients. A total of 66% of the patients had already been on antihypertensive and 30% on lipid-lowering treatment without previous counselling on lifestyle modification. Most patients reported high or medium level health-related behaviors (23% and 45%, respectively). However, 91% led sedentary lifestyle and none of the patients followed cardioprotective diet recommendations. According to the HEI, 73% required partial and 27% complete diet modification. There is a significant discrepancy between health perception and medical recommendations in patients with MetS. Effective patient education, taking into account a revision of the patient's knowledge on the principles of prophylaxis, may form the fundament for the changes in patient behavior, and cardiovascular risk reduction.

The role of self-efficacy in undertaking health-seeking behaviours by physical education teachers

Background: Self-efficacy, defined as a personal resource, is increasingly analysed in context of healthseeking behaviours. Therefore, it is important to explain to what extent these behaviours are associated with cognitive personality disposition of physical education teachers, manifested by their self-efficacy. Material/Methods: We examined 271 physical education teachers (n♀ = 137 and n♂ =134) aged between 23 and 62 years (M = 38.97, SD = 9.33). The respondents were surveyed with the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale by Schwarzer and Jerusalem in the Polish adaptation by Juczynski, Health Behaviour Inventory by Juczynski and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire by Cash. Results: Our findings point to a beneficial effect of self-efficacy on Proper Nutrition Habits, Prophylactic Behaviour, Positive Psychological Attitudes and Fitness/Health Orientation. Nevertheless, the use of Indicator Variables in Regression revealed that GSES exerts stronger effect on health-seeking behaviours in men than in women. Furthermore, we did not confirm a crucial role of self-efficacy in undertaking physical activity and Health Practices. Conclusions: Physical education teachers show moderate levels of health-seeking behaviours; this necessitates stimulating their active involvement in self-promotion of health. This can be achieved by health promotional and educational activities addressed to physical education teachers.

Zróżnicowanie behawioralnych czynników zdrowia wśród studentów zależne od wybranych wskaźników społeczno-demograficznych i środowiskowo-kulturowych = Differentiation of behavioral health factors among students depending on selected socio-demographic, environmental and cultural factors

Introduction. Behavioral factors of health are an important area of empirical cognition from the perspective of long-term individual as well as social investment in health. Aim. The assessment of health behaviors and their differentiation due to selected sociodemographic and environmental-cultural characteristics in a group of young adults. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional studies in the group of students of the city of Lublin were performed using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) by Z. Juczynski. The study also included the survey questions in the field of socio-demographic and culturalenvironmental indicators. Results. The analysis concerned data on 1,593 randomly selected people (63.53% women, 36.47% men), aged 20-35 years (x = 22.16, SD =2.81). In the group, at 45.07% of students, the rate of intensity of health behaviors according to HBI was low, at 39.60% was the average, and in only 11.30% -it was high. Conclusions. In the group, low rates of health behaviors intensity predominated. Among women, the students of medical university, non-smokers and those characterized by regular physical activity a higher level of health behaviors was shown.

Health-related Behaviours of Post-secondary Students in the Context of Health Perception

Studying the health behaviours of adolescents essential for the promotion of healthy lifestyles for adolescence and beyond. The aim of this study was to determine differences in health behaviours in two groups of postsecondary students: One group which presented the holistic approach to good health, and the other that presented a biomedical approach to health. To achieve this aim, the following research questions were utilised: a) How do post-secondary students understand good health; b) What kind of connotations does the term good health have for them? c) What are participants’ current health behaviours? d) Does gender have an influence on responses? The research was conducted with two hundred twenty nine post-secondary students from one of Original Research Article Nowak and McNamara; BJESBS, 7(1): 1-8, 2015; Article no.BJESBS.2015.066 2 the largest high schools in Opole. Two standardized questionnaires were used: Questions from the survey Pro-health lifestyle Determinants in my Family and an adaptation of the Health Behaviour Inventory (Z. Juczynski's). The majority of male respondents (55,6%) identified with the holistic health model, whereas the majority of female respondents (57,9%) identified with the biomedical model. Interestingly, 44.1 % of respondents presented a low value of the general health behaviour indicator; (42.3% was the average) and only 13.54% of the respondents presented a high value of the indicator. This implies that the respondents' associations suggested that the holistic, socio-ecological approach to health did not involve a higher pro-health behaviour level in this case. Because of the low level of health behaviours and the trend towards biomedical approaches in participants’ perceptions of good health, it would be worthwhile to examine exposure to and quality of health education in schools. The promotion of holistic approaches to health is also warranted.

Leisure time physical activity and health-related behaviours after liver transplantation: a prospective, single-centre study.

IntroductionLeisure time physical activity is of proven significance in surveys of fitness levels in various patient groups. Low physical functioning may affect recovery after liver transplantation (LTx).AimTo assess patients’ leisure time activity and health-related habits after transplantation.Material and methodsOne hundred and seven patients after LTx were included. They were divided into groups depending on aetiology of liver problem and the period after LTx. Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (MILTPAQ) and Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI) were applied.ResultsNeither the primary indication for the procedure nor the period after surgery had a significant relationship with physical activity assessed with MILTPAQ; however, activity was lower in females than males (1804.3 ±1848.9 vs. 2619.9 ±2067; p = 0.03). Age at survey/surgery was inversely associated with higher activity (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Health Behaviour Inventory analysis showed a correlation between all four of its domains and age at transplantation/survey (p < 0.001 for both). There was a negative correlation between positive mental attitude and body mass index (BMI).ConclusionsThe primary indications for grafting and, surprisingly, the period after surgery did not seem to be related to the patients’ physical activity in leisure time. Younger and leaner patients appeared to understand the standards of healthy behaviour better and implement them in their daily activities. As higher BMI are associated with a negative mental attitude in patients after LTx, a particular emphasis should be placed on proper counselling in this subgroup of patients.

Personality determinants of health behaviours of merchant navy officers.

An individual's health behaviours are highly correlated with selected areas of their personality as well as their values, needs and goals. However, this relationship may be modified by a number of objective factors associated with the individual's functioning, lifestyle or occupational activity. The main objective of the presented study was to investigate the relationship between personality profiles and health behaviours of merchant navy officers. The influences of personality on health behaviours were additionally compared between two groups: mariners and managers. Thirty-two seafarers of an officer rank and 45 managers aged between 29 and 48 took part in the study. Three research tools were used: NEO-Five Factor Inventory, Health Behaviour Inventory and Inventory of Physical Activity Objectives. Results suggest that selected personality variables are significant predictors of individual aspects of health behaviour, however the strength of their influence may differ, depending on the peculiarities of the performed work.

Nutritional habits in the light of general health behaviours of pregnant women.

Teaching pregnant women behaviours connected with care for one's health condition and a healthy lifestyle is crucial in perinatal care. Desired health behaviours, including nutritional habits, play an important role in the health of the mother, as well as the proper development of the foetus. The aim of the presented study was to analyse the subjective assessment of nutritional habits in the light of general health behaviours of pregnant women. Research was conducted on a sample of 81 women in Szczecin. The methodological basis for investigation was Juczyński's Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). General index of intensity of health behaviours (GIIHB) was calculated by adding the results for all the 24 statements included in the HBI. Four categories of health behaviours were analysed separately: proper nutritional habits, preventive behaviours, positive thinking and health practices. The study presents the analysis of proper nutritional habits (PNH) in the light of GIIHB of women attending antenatal classes. Results indicate that the PNH of pregnant women displays a positive correlation with their GIIHB (r=0.654; p<0.05). It is also shown that the PNH (r=0.26, p<0.05) and GIIHB (r=0.35; p<0.05) are related to the age of pregnant women participating in antenatal classes. Research indicates the need for education of pregnant women, initiatives and campaigns aimed at propagating and promoting proper health behaviours, including nutritional behaviours. There is a positive relationship between the PNH of women participating in antenatal classes and their GIIHB. Such measures should be addressed to women regardless of whether they participate in antenatal classes or not, and regardless of their age or level of education.

Rural and urban disparities in quality of life and health-related behaviors among chronically ill patients.

The purpose of this study was to describe rural and urban disparities in quality of life and health-related behaviors among chronically ill patients. Additionally, effects of health status and health-related behaviors on healthcare utilization were investigated. The study included 1239 chronically ill patients from primary care centers in rural areas (eligible patients; response rate: 62.0%). The analyzed group was compared with the urban group, homogeneous in respect of gender and age (<i>n</i>=1886). Quality of life (QoL) was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Short Form (WHOQoL-Bref). The authors also used the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI). Only the results in Domain 4 (Environmental) were higher among patients from rural areas (13.6 vs 13.4, <i>p</i>=0.015) within the WHOQoL-Bref. Differences between rural and urban areas in the contributors to lower QoL referred to such variables as gender, height, body mass, BMI and level of healthcare utilization. Results of HBI were higher in patients from urban areas (85.0 vs 83.1, <i>p</i><0.001). The differences in factors potentially contributing to lower levels of health behavior concerned gender, age, height, body mass, BMI, having a partner, number of chronic diseases and level of healthcare utilization. The authors observed among the rural patients fewer visits of district nurses (12.1 vs 15.3, <i>p</i>=0.003). Odds ratio (OR) for QoL in the case of place of residence (rural vs urban) was OR=1.341 (95% CI: 1.067-1.687). Higher quality of life may reduce the level of healthcare utilization among residents of rural and urban areas. Educational programs, promoting health behaviors, should be primarily addressed to rural patients, men, younger individuals, patients with a lower number of chronic diseases, and those using healthcare services less often.

Health behaviors of postmenopausal women.

IntroductionHealth status and health-related quality of life of postmenopausal women are issues, which nowadays pose a serious challenge to many domains of science. Climacteric symptoms which occur at this stage of life, lower its quality and make a negative contribution to self-reported health status, are mostly observed in a particular group of women. Evaluation of health behaviors performed using a standardized questionnaire, the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), may help establish a comprehensive diagnosis of women's health, and thus select effective interventions. A systemic approach to menopause assumes that full fitness of women and good quality of their lives can be maintained not only by means of pharmacotherapy but also other forms of action, especially health education oriented towards changes in the lifestyle and promotion of healthy behaviors.The aim of this studyAim of the study is to perform a HBI-based assessment of women's health behaviors in such categories as healthy eating habits (HEH), preventive behaviors (PB), positive mental attitudes (PMA), and health practices (HP).Material and methodsThe study involved 151 healthy postmenopausal women. A research tool was a standardized questionnaire, the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI).ResultsThe surveyed women obtained 70% of the maximum score on average, which suggests a medium level of health behaviors in this group. The levels of health behaviors in the categories of positive mental attitudes and health practices significantly differed between older women and their younger counterparts (higher levels were observed among older respondents). There were also significant differences in the levels of healthy behaviors between women with secondary and higher education (those better educated declared healthy behaviors more often). There was no correlation between the level of health behaviors and the BMI of the surveyed women.ConclusionsOlder women attached greater importance to positive mental attitudes, and so they avoided tension, stress and depressing situations. They also attached more weight to health practices (HP), i.e. the number of hours devoted to sleeping, resting and physical activity. The main determinant of a healthy lifestyle was higher education.

LEVEL OF PRO-HEALTH BEHAVIOR OF WOMEN FROM RURAL AND METROPOLITAN ENVIRONMENT WHO ARE ACTIVE ON THE HEALTH-RELATED INTERNET PORTALS

The development of health education, education in the scope of healthy lifestyles is significantly affected by the mass media, and primarily the Internet, which is an interactive source of information and the space to acquire competencies supporting health. Access to the Internet is getting more and more widespread; also the range of easily accessible content, related to the lifestyle has expanded. Migrations of populations tend to impair the traditionally understood image of the urban and rural environments. Technological advances in the field of transport communications and IT have also reduced the distance between the two discussed environments. The aim of this study was to assess the level of pro-health behaviors of women who are interested in a healthy lifestyle, and who live both in the countryside and in large cities. The study involved 78 women from the towns with up to 3 thousand inhabitants and 130 from the cities with a population over 100 thousand inhabitants. All research participants were active participants in one of the largest health services for mature women in Poland. The research was part of the PARP project - Global health problems , implemented by the Foundation ‘Smak Żcia’. Standardized research tools Health Behavior Inventory were applied according to the adaptation of Z. Juczynki. As many as 30% of patients achieved a low level of pro-health behaviors, 45% obtained an average score, and only 25%-a high one, which due to an interest in the subject of a healthy lifestyle, occurring as a constant activity on the online health portal, can be regarded as an unsatisfactory result. The research participants (female subscribers of advice from pro-health service) willing to share their experience, commented on a variety of content related to health issues, however, the level of their health behaviors did not differ significantly from the average values for the Polish population. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of realized health behaviors between women living in rural and metropolitan environments. Research confirmed that Internet theme services concerning issues of a healthy lifestyle, are a chance to equalize disparities in pro-health behaviors, and consequently - in health itself, thus initiatives of raising interest in health education through the mass media ought to be supported.

The correlation between quality of life, acceptance of illness and health behaviors of advanced age patients

The purpose of this study was to analyze correlations between quality of life (QoL), acceptance of illness (AI), and health behaviors (HB) demonstrated by chronically ill patients of advanced age. The study was comprised of 1974 chronically ill primary care patients (mean age 71.60±7.98 years) recruited from 131 primary care practices. QoL was assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Short Form. The patients’ AI with the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) measured four categories of HB: healthy eating habits (HEH), preventive behaviors (PB), positive mental attitudes (PMA) and health practices (HP). The Spearman rank correlation test was used to check correlations between the variables and analysis of multiple regression was used in order to examine the impact of explanatory variables on the response variable. The highest scores were obtained in the Social Relationship Domain of QoL (M=13.68±2.75) and the lowest in the Psychological Domain of QoL (M=12.38±2.66) of the patients. The low AI was noted in 65.68% (1221). Lower level of QoL and AI were observed in patients with a larger number of chronic diseases and higher health care utilization. The lowest HB scores were obtained in the category of PMA (M=3.61±0.73) and HEH (M=3.36±0.84). The AI level correlated strongest with: Physical Domain of QoL (rS=0.49, p<0.0001) and PMA (rS=0.23, p<0.0001). HB correlated strongest with Psychological Domain of QoL (rS=0.33, p<0.0001). Health behavior programs for chronically ill patients of advanced age should stimulate health behavior categories such as PMA and HEH, and raise the AI level. This would result in a higher QoL and, consequently, a lower health care utilization.

Developing a Holistic Understanding of Health and Health Behavior in People Undergoing Resocialization in Prison under the “Active Today, Different Tomorrow”

AbstractThe main purpose of detention in a modern, humanitarian prison system is to bring the prisoners to live in a free society in a manner consistent with applicable laws and morals. The indicators of modernity are also ways and means by which attempts are made to achieve this goal. In many European and non-European prisons, physical culture achievements are commonly used in working with prisoners. They organize programmed resocialization activities for prisoners with a substantial share of physical education and recreational free time activities. Sometimes, prisoners are offered the chance to take their own initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles. In addition to teaching, during which the prisoners participate in physical activity, they use interaction with sports authorities in the form of discussion meetings between prisoners and athletes. Such meetings are also organized at the House of Detention in Inowrocław, which operates a half-open unit for the convicts. These meetings are the part of the activities of “Paragraph”, the Olympian club (based at the Inowrocław prison) subject to the Polish Olympic Committee. The author participated in several such meetings as an invited guest or co-organizer and observed that they are primarily of a recollective character. But it was hard to find in them specific, praxeologically structured and conceptually implemented resocialization interactions. Teleological vagueness initiated the search for the real purpose of these meetings by means of observation. The meetings clearly appeared to have more of an ad hoc (referring to the conditions in prison) than a prospective character (undertaken with a view to the period after release). These findings were the inspiration for the development of the main objectives of a two-step strategy of a change in scenarios of the meetings between the convicts and athletes, the ultimate goal of which was to give them the characteristics of programmed rehabilitation. They defined the procedure for involving sportsmen to accomplish the objectives in the area of mental health and social development and made the selection and development of tools to measure the effects of these interactions. The article is a report on research designed to determine differences in perception of health, as well as on conducting health activities among those inmates who participated in the program “Active today, different tomorrow” and those who did not participate in it. The study involved 67 penitentiary recidivists. Two questionnaires by Siegfried Juczyński were used: the List of Health Criteria and Health Behaviour Inventory. The results gave the possibility to formulate important methodological implications for practitioners who involve prominent sportsmen in resocialization. They also proved useful in efforts to create another resocialization program that uses sports activity in resocialization.