Health Promotion Lifestyles of Mid-life Women Who Regularly Exercise

Womens mid-life is a period of dynamic growth and development, influenced personally, socially and physiologically. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the health promoting lifestyles of mid life women who regularly exercise. The Health Promotion Model (HPM) is the organizing theoretical framework for this study. Pender (1987) developed the HPM to assist research efforts and to identify and explain characteristics of health promoting behaviors. The design for this study utilized the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile (HPLP), a 48 item questionnaire. The HPLP was developed within the framework of the Health Promotion Model (Pender, 1987). In addition, a demographic data form was utilized, including the following items: age, marital status, ethnic background, employment status, education, and perceived health status. Female participants at the 1994 national bicycle racing championships in Atlanta, Georgia were recruited for participation, which included completion of the HPLP and demographic data form. A total of 38 women participated, representing 18 states throughout the U.S. Overall, total HPLP scores were high. Graphic analysis of HPLP subscale score revealed high levels of self actualization and health responsibility. Frequency analysis of demographic data demonstrated the majority of participants earned average to above average income, worked and attended college. The entire sample was Caucasian. 3-way ANOVA revealed unmarried women participate in more health promoting behaviors than married women. The reliability alpha for the HPLP was 0.85. The results of this study suggest the HPLP is not specifically useful for studies utilizing highly active persons. It is important to understand how experiences and motivations for healthy behaviors vary across the lifespan