HEALTH PROMOTION PRACTICES AND CANCER SCREENING IN OLDER ADULTS OF URMIA

The world population is aging. Health promoting behavior gains more importance when people live longer. The purpose of this study was to examine health promotion behaviors and cancer screening in older adults in Urmia. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 242 participants above 60 years old. The participants were selected based on purposive sampling method. Data questionnaire included demographic characteristics, number of chronic diseases, physical health status, mental health, health promotion and cancer screening. Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to consider the factors that influenced health promotion activities in these individuals. The mean age of participants was 36/8±67/69. Among the primary health promotion activities (exercise, reducing cholesterol and low salt diet, high fiber), low-salt diet was the most adhered (64.4% of subjects). Among cancer screening practices including mammography, Pap smear, prostate examination, fecal occult blood testing and skin examination, the most practiced was occult blood testing (27.7% of subjects). Multiple regression analysis showed that occupation, education level, mental health, age and gender influenced conducting health promotion practices. Except low salt intake and reducing diet cholesterol, other health promotion activities are far from the acceptable range. Public education for families about the benefits of health promoting behavior and availability of clinics and lab services may encourage older adults to engage in health promotion activities.