Who is Making Lifestyle Changes Due to Preventive Health Care Information? A Demographic Analysis

Abstract

This paper sought to describe from a set of demographic and lifestyle characteristics, the person who is significantly and positively impacted by preventive health care (PHC) information. Based on past research, six two-part hypotheses (PHC information and lifestyle) were developed, with a total examination of 12 possible relationships. Five of the six hypotheses were at least partially accepted, as were eight out of the 12 possible relationships. In addition, there was at least one significant relationship with a demographic variable in 12 of the 13 lifestyle change variables. It can be said with confidence that persons who are seeking and are positively impacted by PHC information are better educated, have higher incomes, are female, usually older, and married. The most important lifestyle changes emanating from PHC information are “changes in eating habits,” “having periodic physician checkups,” “utilizing nutritional labeling,” and “joining a health club or wellness center.” “Changes in social life,” “sleeping habits,” “getting regular exercise,” and “attendance at health fairs and seminars” were also associated with the utilization of PHC information, but to a lesser extent.

KEYWORDS:

• demographics
• preventive health care
• preventive health care information
• wellness

Notes

∗95% + confidence.

∗∗99% + confidence.

I = insignificant.

Statistical tests: A = ANOVA; r_s = Spearman's correlation; r_p = Spearman's correlation; T = T-test.

Variables: EDU = educational attainment; INC = household income; SEX = gender; HINS = health insurance; MS = marital status; AGE = age category.

∗Denotes PHC Index Question.