An analysis of factors associated with health lifestyle profile and health status in families

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The family, which is the basic unit of society, is a determinant of a persono health behavior and a unit of analysis of health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship of the health lifestyle profile and health status in families. METHODS: The subjects were 286 families with teenagers enrolled in the second and third year of a high school in Seoul. The measurement tools were FACES III for family functioning, C.M.I. for health status of family members, and health lifestyle profile which is based on the areas of assessment of family health-related lifestyle. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. RESULT: There were significant differences in health lifestyle of families according to parentsoeducation levels, mothersooccupations, agreement of family membersoreligions, family income, family size and family system. Families with higher mean family cohesion and adaptability scores showed higher scores of health lifestyle profile score (P=0.000). Families with higher mean family cohesion and adaptability scores showed lower percentages of family members who drink alcohol more than three times a week (P<0.05). Families with higher mean family cohesion scores showed lower percentages of family members who smoke currently (P=0.001). The higher percentage of family members who drink alcohol more than three times a week (P=0.000) and the higher percentage of family members who smoke currently (P=0.006) showed lower health status. The percentage of family members who drink alcohol more than three times a week was the only variable (P=0.003) which could predict the health status of family members. CONCLUSION: From the results of this study, increasing the familyo ability to fulfill its function and to participate in healthy lifestyle would facilitate promotion of health status in family members.