Alfabetización en salud y estrategias de cambio conductual para el enfrentamiento a la COVID -19 / Health literacy and strategies of behavioral change for the COVID - 19 confrontation

Para reducir la transmisión del coronavirus, no bastan solo las intervenciones ambientales, sociales y sistémicas, sino es importante actuar sobre el comportamiento de los individuos, factor que favorece la transmisión. Resulta necesario el empleo de mecanismos efectivos de información, educación y comunicación, basados en la alfabetización en salud de forma crítica y con principios básicos de cambios de conducta. Estos enfoques, no aplicados usualmente, van más allá de la simple información y educación sanitarias, pues deben ser llevados a cabo no solo por profesionales de la salud sino por todas las personas influyentes en la población. Se explica el funcionamiento de los principios del cambio de comportamiento, su aplicación en la etapa de enfrentamiento a la COVID - 19 y se muestran algunos enlaces digitales sobre cómo hacer en la alfabetización en salud.

The environmental, social and systemic interventions are not enough to reduce the transmission of coronavirus, but it is important to act on the individuals behavior, a factor that favors the transmission. The use of effective mechanisms of information, education and communication is necessary, based on health literacy in a critical way and with basic principles of behavior changes. These approaches, not usually implemented, go beyond the simple information and health education, because they should be carried out not only by health professionals but also by all the influential people in the population. The functioning of the behavior change principles and their implementation in the COVID - 19 confrontation stage are explained and some digital links on how to proceed in health literacy are shown.

The Effect of a Behavior Change Intervention with Feedback on Motor Function and Physical Activity for Patients with Hematological Malignancies Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Historical Controlled Study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention that applied a behavioral change approach to the usual rehabilitation for patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy were divided into two groups: patients who underwent conventional rehabilitation (control group, n=12) and a counterpart who received a behavioral change intervention with feedback on motor function and physical activity (feedback group, n=13). We analyzed the changes in motor function and physical activity between the two groups from the start of rehabilitation to discharge. Results: There were a significant difference in walking speed between baseline and discharge. Changes in weekly steps were significantly higher in the feedback group than those in the control group. Conclusion: A behavioral change intervention with feedback on motor function and physical activity may improve voluntary exercise in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy.

Intuitive eating in youth: Its relationship with nutritional status / Alimentação intuitiva na juventude: sua relação com o estado nutricional

ABSTRACT Objective To determine intuitive eating in young adults and the effects of factors such as gender, Body Mass Index and dietary intake, and dietary adequacy on intuitive eating. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with students at Gazi University in Ankara (N=665; 17.6% men; 82.4% women). The questionnaire, including the general characteristics, anthropometric measurements, Intuitive Eating Scale-2, and 24-H Dietary Recall sections, were applied to all participants. For the evaluation of the diet, Nutrient Adequacy Ratio and Mean Adequacy Ratio were used. Results The mean Intuitive Eating Scale-2 score was 3.2±0.33; men's and women's scores were 3.3±0.37 and 3.2±0.32, respectively (p<0.05). According to linear regression analysis, gender, age and mean adequacy ratio had an effect on the model for the score (p<0.05). In addition, there was a negative correlation between Intuitive Eating Scale-2 scores and Body Mass Index values in women (rp=-0.095, p=0.026). Conclusion The intuitive eating scores varied according to gender, dietary adequacy and age. Intuitive eating may be effective in the formation of long-term behavioral changes, which is beneficial for the treatment of obesity. The result of this study may encourage the development of this behavior in groups (may vary according to gender), that is thought to be effective by considering the changes of intuitive eating behavior.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a alimentação intuitiva em adultos jovens e os efeitos de fatores como sexo, índice de massa corporal, ingestão alimentar e adequação da dieta na alimentação intuitiva. Métodos Este estudo transversal foi realizado em estudantes da Universidade de Gazi, em Ancara (N=665; 17,6% homens; 82,4% mulheres). O questionário, incluindo as características gerais, medidas antropométricas, Escala de Alimentação Intuitiva 2 e recordatório alimentar de 24 horas foi aplicado aos participantes. Para a avaliação da dieta, foram utilizados o Índice de Adequação de Nutrientes e a Razão de Adequação Média. Resultados A Escala Média de Escala de Comportamento Intuitivo-2 foi de 3,2±0,33, dos homens e das mulheres, foi de 3,3±0,37 e 3,2±0,32, respectivamente (p<0,05). De acordo com a análise de regressão linear, sexo, idade a Razão de Adequação Média tiveram efeito no modelo formado pelo escore (p<0,05). Além disso, houve uma correlação negativa entre os escores da Escala de Alimentação Intuitiva-2 e os valores do índice de massa corporal nas mulheres (rp=-0,095, p=0,026). Conclusão Os escores alimentares intuitivos variaram de acordo com o gênero, com adequação da dieta e com a idade. A alimentação intuitiva pode ser eficaz na formação de mudanças a longo prazo no comportamento, o que é benéfico para o tratamento da obesidade. O resultado deste estudo pode encorajar o desenvolvimento deste comportamento em grupos (talvez variar de acordo com o gênero) que é considerado efetivo considerando-se as mudanças do comportamento alimentar intuitivo.

The effects of a behavioral change program in reducing the house index of mosquito larvae in households in Phetcabun province, Thailand.

Introduction: The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to study the effectiveness of a behavioral change program in reducing house index of mosquito in Village Baan-Wangpong, Lomsak district in Phetcabun province, Thailand. Methods: The sample size of experimental and control group was 42 representatives of household in each group. Representatives of each sampled household were tested for knowledge, perception and behavioral practice in prevention of dengue fever before and after the program intervention. The program included training on dengue fever prevention by health personnel, demonstration of making mosquito repellents from local product, organising an awareness contest, broadcasting health messages through media and surveying households for mosquitoes’ larvae. Results: The study found that most households in village Baan-Wangpong had low knowledge (60.4%), perceived risk (60.4%), perceived severity (64.6%) and behavioral practice (77.1%) in the prevention of dengue fever prior to the program, with comparability in intervention versus control. The results showed that after the program intervention, the experimental group had a significantly higher level of knowledge (p=0.001), perceived risk (p=0.042), perceived severity (p=0.002) and behavior (p=0.028) in preventing dengue fever than before the program intervention and higher than the control group post-intervention. The experimental group’s house index was also significantly (p=0.001) lower than before the program and lower than the control group post-intervention. Conclusions: This study suggests that a proactive program about knowledge, perceptions and behaviors on prevention of dengue fever with support from public health personnel and community participation, can positively change health behavior, resulting in reducing the house index of mosquito larva.

Evaluación de un Programa de Intervención para Disminuir el Acoso Escolar y la Conducta Disruptiva / Evaluation of the Effectiveness of an Intervention Program in Reducing Bullying and Disruptive Behavior

Resumen: Existen pocos programas de intervención para disminuir las conductas infantiles de acoso escolar en el aula. El propósito del estudio fue conocer la eficacia de un programa de intervención basado en los principios del Análisis Conductual Aplicado para reducir las conductas infantiles de acoso en el ámbito escolar. El programa está diseñado para entrenar al profesor del grupo en el manejo de ocho técnicas conductuales (i.e., control de estímulos, costo de respuesta, entrenamiento en respuesta alternativa, auto-control de enojo, contingencia grupal, análisis de tareas, monitoreo y moldeamiento). Se entrenó a ocho profesores de tres escuelas primarias públicas para que implementaran el programa durante la jornada escolar. Participaron 223 alumnos, 28 de ellos identificados como acosadores y 28 identificados como víctimas. Se evaluó la conducta de acoso por parte de esos 28 niños y la conducta disruptiva de los 223 estudiantes pre, durante y post tratamiento. Los resultados mostraron que el programa de intervención redujo significativamente el acoso escolar por parte de los niños acosadores. El programa también fue exitoso para reducir las conductas disruptivas de los niños en todo el grupo, especialmente fue efectivo disminuyendo el comportamiento antisocial.

Abstract: There are few intervention programs designed for reducing bullying in the classrooms. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of an intervention program based on the principles of applied behavior analysis to reduce bullying in the classroom. The program was designed to train elementary school teachers in the application of eight behavioral techniques (i.e., stimuli control, cost of response, reinforcing alternative responses, self-control of anger, group contingencies, task analysis, monitoring, and shaping). Eight teachers from three public schools were trained and they implemented the program during a whole school year. Those teachers had 223 students. From that total 28 were identified as bullies and 28 as victims. The bullying behavior of those 28 children as well as the disruptive behaviors of the 223 students were measured pre, during and post treatment. Results showed that the intervention program was successful in reducing bullying as well as disruptive behaviors. The program was especially effective in reducing antisocial behavior.

O impacto da menopausa nas relações e nos papéis sociais estabelecidos na família e no trabalho / The impact of menopause in the relationships and social roles established on the family and at work

OBJETIVOS: Identificar as dificuldades nas relações familiares e no âmbito do trabalho decorrentes dos sintomas do climatério, bem como as ações para seu enfrentamento. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal e qualiquantitativo do qual participaram 30 mulheres em pós-menopausa. RESULTADOS: As vivências relacionadas ao climatério foram heterogêneas e não necessariamente negativas. Houve grande diversidade na forma como as entrevistadas definiram a menopausa e apenas 33,3% haviam sido preparadas para vivenciá-la, a maioria por orientação médica. Os primeiros sintomas ocorreram aos 46,5 anos (±5,3 anos) e foram mencionados: ondas de calor, ganho de peso, irritabilidade e dor durante a relação sexual. Houve diferença entre as mulheres quanto ao número de sintomas percebidos, que variaram de 1 a 27 (13,4±6,3). Foram mencionadas significativas mudanças comportamentais, tais como: a redução da atividade sexual decorrente da queda da libido, a falta de paciência para lidar com os filhos, a menor motivação para o trabalho e a redução da autoestima. Para o enfrentamento das transformações ocorridas foram adotadas dietas alimentares, prática de exercícios físicos ou mudanças em alguns valores e atitudes. CONCLUSÕES: O despreparo pode gerar dificuldades no enfrentamento da síndrome do climatério e comprometer a qualidade de vida e/ou a satisfação pessoal.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the difficulties on the family relationships and at work derived from the menopause symptoms, as well as the management measures adopted. METHODS: Cross-sectional, qualitative/quantitative study attended by 30 post-menopause women. RESULTS: The menopause related experiences were heterogeneous and not necessarily negative. There was great diversity in how the respondents defined menopause and only 33.3% had been prepared to experience it, mostly by medical directions. The first symptoms occurred at 46.5 years (±5.3 years), being mentioned: the hot flashes, the gain of weight, the irritability and the pain during intercourse. There were differences between women in the number of symptoms perceived, ranging from 1 to 27 (13.4±6.3). Important behavioral changes were mentioned such as the reduction of sexual activity due to the decline of libido, the lack of patience to deal with the sons, the less motivation to work and the reduced self-esteem. In order to deal with the symptoms they adopted new diets, physical exercises or altered some values and attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of preparation can lead to difficulties to cope with climacteric syndrome, which may compromise quality of life and/or personal satisfaction.

Development of a Smartphone Application Prototype for Child Obesity Prevention: Rationale and Study Design of Acceptability and Feasibility Tests

BACKGROUND: There have been many efforts to rectify lifestyles that contribute to obesity using a variety of methodologies in heterogeneous settings, but effective and sustainable interventions that are suitable for children are still needed. We developed a smartphone application called "HAPPY ME" for guiding health behavior decisions, which employs gamification and self-monitoring strategies. The aim of this paper is to outline the rationale and methods for the development and feasibility test of "HAPPY ME". METHODS: The study consisted of two phases: 1) description of theory-based conceptual framework and rationales for smartphone application development and 2) outline of a pre- and post-test design in 4th-6th grade of healthy elementary school students for 4 weeks. The students will be delivered missions or messages on a daily basis, which is to stretch the knowledge and skills for action. They will simultaneously be engaged in self-monitoring their eating and physical activities to clear daily quests. To measure acceptability and feasibility we will monitor usability, compliance, and satisfaction for a 4-week study period and evaluate the intervention effects on self-efficacy, readiness, and intention to engage in healthy behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the feasibility study will show whether the smartphone application "HAPPY ME" for children is acceptable, as well as if it is usable and feasible for self-directed health management. The results will provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of smartphone application-supported child behavioral modification for child obesity prevention and management.

Efecto del enriquecimiento ambiental en un grupo de monos araña (Ateles geoffroyi) en cautiverio / Effect of environmental enrichment in a group of captive spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)

Los animales que viven en cautiverio padecen problemas relacionados con el estrés y la falta de estimulación. El enriquecimiento ambiental (EA) proporciona a los animales en esta situación un conjunto de actividades que los alienta a presentar conductas típicas de su especie. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el efecto de un programa de EA en la conducta de una colonia de siete monos araña (Ateles geoffroyi). Se esperaba que la agresión, la coprofilia y las estereotipias fueran menos frecuentes entre los monos, mientras que la exploración y el juego se presentaran con mayor frecuencia. Para ello, la investigación se dividió en dos etapas: una etapa previa al EA y una etapa durante el EA. En cada etapa se registraron las siguientes categorías conductuales: agresión, coprofilia, estereotipias, exploración y juego. Se utilizó un muestreo focal por conducta en registros continuos de 1 hr., obteniéndose en cada etapa 40 hrs. de observación. Al comparar la frecuencia de dichas conductas con la prueba de los signos de Wilcoxon, se encontró que la agresión, las estereotipias y la coprofilia disminuyeron durante el EA. La exploración y el juego se incrementaron significativamente con el EA. No se observaron diferencias significativas al comparar el sexo de los individuos. El EA disminuye los problemas causados por el confinamiento, por lo que debe contemplarse como una herramienta indispensable que de manera constante mejore las condiciones de vida en individuos confinados.

Captive animals suffer from stress and lack of stimulation. Environmental enrichment (EE) provides them with a series of activities that encourages them to present species-specific behaviors. The objective of this work was to analyze the effect of an EE program in the behavior of a 7-spider monkey colony. It was expected that aggression, coprophilia and stereotypes would be less frequent, while exploration and play would increase. The study was divided in two stages: one previous to EE and one while EE was being implemented. A focal sampling per behavior was undertaken in 1-h continuous recordings for a total of 40 hours per stage. We compared the frequency of each behavior with a Wilcoxon's signal test. The results showed that aggression, stereotypes and coprophilia were reduced during EE, while exploration and play increased significantly. No significant differences were found between sexes. EE reduces the problems originated by confinement; therefore, it must be considered a necessary tool to be continuously employed to make an improvement into the life conditions of confined individuals.

Programa "VAMOS" (Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saúde): da concepção aos primeiros resultados / Program "VAMOS" (Active Living, Enhancing Health): from conception to initial findings

Apesar do aumento nos incentivos públicos voltados à promoção de um estilo de vida ativo entre os brasileiros, o perfil de inatividade física da população é preocupante. Neste sentido, desenvolvemos uma nova estratégia de intervenção na comunidade por meio do programa "VAMOS: Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saúde". Neste artigo, serão discutidos informações referentes à concepção, à criação do nome, ao logotipo, à tradução, às adaptações culturais, às estratégias de avaliação do programa e aos primeiros resultados obtidos no estudo piloto conduzido entre idosos em Centros de Saúde (CS) de Florianópolis. Participaram do estudo 100 idosos cadastrados em seis CS. Os idosos foram direcionados aleatoriamente a participarem de um dos três grupos do estudo: "VAMOS" (n=33), atividade fisica "tradicional" (n=35), e grupo controle (n=32). "VAMOS" é um programa educacional de mudança de comportamento que consiste em 12 encontros. Baseado no programa norte-americano "Active Living Every Day", o "VAMOS" foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente à realidade brasileira. Vários ajustes foram realizados à versão original americana do programa, especialmente, nos conteúdos de leitura, preenchimento do material, tamanho e dificuldade de compreeenssão de algumas sessões. O estudo piloto apontou uma aceitação muito boa ao programa "VAMOS", por parte dos idosos. Entrevistas com gestores e profissionais dos centros de saúde apontaram a viabilidade e o interesse deles em oferecer o "VAMOS" à comunidade como atividade rotineira da rede de saúde pública. Conclue-se que o "VAMOS" tem potencial de uso para a população brasileira, embora seja necessário alguns ajustes para sua utilização com outras faixas etárias e nas diferentes regiões do Brasil.

Despite increased governmental efforts towards promoting healthy and active lifestyles among Brazilians, physical inactivity is a serious concern in the population. Therefore, we developed a new approach to community interventions for the promotion of physical activity called "Project VAMOS: Active Living, Enhancing Health". In this article we review information about the conception of the program, as well as name, brand, and logo development. We discuss issues related to translation and cultural adaptation, evaluation strategies, and we review lessons learned from the pilot phase of the project that involved older adults and public health centers (CS) in Florianopolis. One hundred older adults registered in six CS participated in the pilot study. They were randomly assigned into three different groups: "VAMOS" (n=33), traditional physical activity classes (n=35), and a control group (n=32). "VAMOS" is an educational program based on behavioral change principles that consists of 12 meetings. Based on an American evidence-based program ("Active Living Every Day"), "VAMOS" was translated and culturally adapted to the Brazilian context. A number of adjustments were made to the original American version of the program prior to conducting the pilot study. For example, the content of the lessons and homework were revised, we shortened the length of the lessons, as well as lowered the complexity of some of the materials. The results of the pilot study suggest that there was broad acceptance of the "VAMOS"program by the older adult participants. Also, interviews with administrative staff and health professionals working for the CS indicated a possibility and interest to continue to offer "VAMOS" as part of their regular programming for the community. In summary, "VAMOS" has great potential to be used with the Brazilian population. Adjustments are necessary for its utilization with other age groups and across different regions in Brazil.

Observation of the effect of behavioral change theory in the improvement of self- protection awareness and first aid techniques for the emergency department nurses / 中国实用护理杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze the effect of behavioral change theory on the improvement of self-protection awareness and first aid techniques for the emergency department nurses. Methods80 nurses in the hospital emergency department from August 2010 to October 2011 were chosen.They were given with behavioral change theory of intervention for the purpose.The levels of protection awareness,prevention of hospital infection behavior standardization and first aid techniques before and after intervention were recorded.And the results were analyzed. ResultsAfter intervention,the excellent results of the nurses' self-protection awareness survey were in 70 cases,the qualified results were in seven cases,the total pass rate was 96.25％.The self-protection awareness was significantly stronger than before the intervention.After the intervention,the prevention of hospital infection behavior standardization was in 65 cases with outstanding results,with a pass result was in 10 cases,the total pass rate was 93.75％.Standardization of behavior to prevent hospital infection after the intervention was significantly higher than before the intervention.After the intervention,the nurses’ first aid techniques was outstanding in 63 cases,with a pass result in 13 cases,the total pass rate was 95.00％.After the intervention,the nursing staff's first aid level was significantly better than before the intervention. ConclusionsThe theory of behavioral change can be effective in strengthening self-protection awareness of the nursing staff,and improve the level of first aid techniques.

Práticas e mudanças no comportamento alimentar na população de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil / Behavioral changes in food intake practices in the population of Brasília, Federal District, Brazil

OBJETIVOS: investigar as práticas e mudanças alimentares na população de Brasília, Distrito Federal, com as variáveis escolaridade, renda e sexo. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal, com uma amostra probabilística de 500 domicílios, com entrevista a pessoas >15 anos. As entrevistas foram feitas no Plano Piloto, Cidades Satélites e Vila Estrutural do Distrito Federal, entre março de 2003 e março de 2004. O marco amostral foi definido com base nos setores censitários do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, referentes ao censo demográfico de 2000. Foram sorteados 20 setores censitários dentre os 2548 existentes no Distrito Federal. RESULTADOS: os alimentos consumidos diariamente foram: arroz, feijão, pão, frutas, legumes e verduras. Consumo semanal de frango (85,0 por cento), carne bovina (76,0 por cento), massas (69,6 por cento) e ovos (62,0 por cento). A maioria (71,0 por cento) relatou preocupar-se com alimentação saudável. Apenas, 37 por cento dos entrevistados relataram mudança alimentar nos últimos seis meses, e dentre eles 32,6 por cento atribuíram à perda de peso, 25,4 por cento à preocupação com a saúde e 20,0 por cento à reeducação alimentar. A mudança foi mantida por 84,2 por cento dos respondentes. CONCLUSÕES: os dados apontam a preocupação com a alimentação saudável e mudanças nas práticas alimentares. As razões alegadas para as mudanças estão relacionadas com a estética e preocupação com a saúde. Renda e escolaridade constituem preditores significativos das mudanças nas práticas alimentares.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate food habits changes in the population of Brasília, Federal District through variables such as schooling, income and sex. METHODS: A cross sectional study, with a probabilistic sample of 500 homes through interviews of people aged over 15. The interviews were held at the Plano Piloto, Cidades Satélites and Vila Estrutural regions of the Federal District between March 2003 and March 2004. The sample landmark was defined based on Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística census sectors related to the 2000 demographic census. Twenty census sectors were randomly selected among the 2548 in the Federal District. RESULTS: daily food intake consisted of: rice, beans, bread, fruit and vegetables. Chicken weekly consumption (85.0 percent), beef (76.0 percent), pasta (69.6 percent) and eggs (62.0 percent). The majority (71.0 percent) reported concern with healthy nourishment. Only 37 percent of the respondents reported food habits change in the last six months and among them 32.6 percent change was related to the wish of losing weight, 25.4 percent to health concerns and 20.0 percent to food reeducation. Change was maintained by 84.2 percent of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS: data indicate concern with healthy nourishment and change in food habits. Reasons reported for change are related to aesthetics and health concerns. Income and schooling are significant predictors of changes in food habits.

BCC oriented model being challenged as a strategy of sustaining safe sex among MSM / 中国艾滋病性病

Objective To examine effect of intervention strategies on developing sustainable safe sex practice among MSM.Methods A total of 420 participants were divided into three non-clinical trial groups,i.e.BCC-based condom facilitation(BCC-CF)group,sub-culture-based socio-facilitation(SBC-SF)group and the control group,to assess the sustaining effect of different models of intervention by stepwise cross-sectional follow-up survey.Results The survey of 410 MSM who had homo-sex partners in the past 6 months indicated that the rate of consistent condom use in anal intercourse with casual partners as a key indicator significantly increased in the BCC-CF(62.0%,P

An Intracerebral Hemorrhage Model Established by Autologous Blood Injection Three Times in Rat / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo establish an animal model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rat and to observe the changes in behavior, brain edema and tissue structure during absorption of the hematoma.MethodsAn animal model of ICH was established by stereotactically infusing 100 μl (the first time 20 μl, the second time 40 μl, the third time 40 μl) of autologous caudal artery blood into caudate nucleus in the rats. The behavior of rats with ICH was assessed by Bederson score, beam-walking test, bilateral forepaws grasp and measurement of forelimb placing. The brain edema and the change in histology were observed.ResultsThe successful ratio of this model was 75%. There were significant behavioral changes and brain edema at 6 h after the ICH in rats of the experimental group compared to those of the control group. The worse behavioral changes and brain edema was at 48～72 h after hemorrhage. In the earlier period, the nerve cells were swelling. A lot of glial cells appeared around the hematoma in the late period.ConclusionThis ICH model is reproducible, and the obvious behavioral change and histological changes are similar to clinical patient with ICH.

Analyses on the Factors Related to Stages of Dietary Behavioral Changes among Child Bearing Aged Women

This study examined the factors related to stages of dietary behavioral changes among 1449 child bearing aged women (mean age +/- SD = 25.6 +/- 5.3 years) residing in large cities. A self administered questionnaire was used to assess stages of dietary behavioral change, meal balance and regularity, food availability, nutrition knowledge, body mass index, nutrient intake, and psycho-social factors including self efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers, social modeling. Undesirable dietary behaviors (precontemplation and contemplation) were shown among 45.1-57.4% of the participants, among those, 33.4-43.0% were precontemplators. Participants'' self efficacy scores associated with dietary changes were higher in specific situations (3.42) as compared to general situations (2.86). Similarly, they appeared to perceive more benefits (3.86) rather than barriers (2.76) by changing their inappropriate eating habits. Perception and accuracy scores of nutrition knowledge were relatively high, indicating 90.9 and 80.1, respectively. In terms of food availability at home, fresh fruits received the highest score, followed by milk and milk products, vegetables, meat, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. In social modeling assessment, family members, as compared to friends, appeared to have better dietary habits. Stages of dietary behavioral change assessed in terms of meal regularity were associated with nutrient intake, showing higher energy and carbohydrate intakes but lower fat intake among those who belonged to the action and maintenance stage. They also presented higher self efficacy and perceived more benefits and less barriers regarding the change of undesirable eating habits. Fresh meat and vegetables were more available among those maintaining desirable dietary habits. Results of this study presented the significant relations of motivational and reinforcing social factors with stages of dietary behavioral changes and a need for the development of tailored nutrition education program considering these factors for child-bearing aged Korean women.