Health Promoting Behaviors in Women of Reproductive Age in Yazd city

Chronic diseases are the major cause of death and disability in the world. Despite the high prevalence and complications of chronic diseases, many of these diseases are preventable with simple ways. Health promoting behaviors is one of the best ways that people can protect their health. Since women are the main models of education and promotion of healthy lifestyle to the next generation the aim of this study was to investigate the health promoting behaviors of women of reproductive age in the city of Yazd. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 120 women aged 49-15 covered by Shahid Farshad health center in Yazd. Health-promoting behaviors questionnaire (HPLP-II) were used to collect information. The data tool was completed with self-report methods. Data were analyzed with spss16 software. The mean age of the women was 33.67± 7.43. The highest mean subscales was 26.60± 5.06 for spiritual growth and the lowest was 13.6± 3.6 for physical activity and 18.69± 3.7 for Stress Management. Significant relationship was observed between education with health promotion behaviors (P = 0.02) and responsibility for health subscales (P = 0.03). Also the direct and significant correlation was between interpersonal relationships with education level (P = 0.02) and the nutrition sub-scale with income level (P = 0.04). In the present study, despite the desirability of promoting women's health behaviors, health-promoting behaviors need to be upgraded, especially in the field of physical activity and stress management. As a result, the design of appropriate interventions to encourage health promotion behaviors is necessary.