A Questionnaire-Based Study to Evaluate Health-Related Behaviors in 602 Women of Reproductive Age in Poland

Abstract

Background Women’s health and undertaking health behaviors during the reproductive period by women, especially during pregnancy, are an important indicator that is reflected both in their own health and in health of their children. This study aimed to use a questionnaire to evaluate the health-related behaviors in women of reproductive age in Poland. Material/Methods The studies were conducted among 602 women of reproductive age by diagnostic poll method with the use of questionnaire technique. The applied tool was an original on-line questionnaire. A link to the questionnaire was sent to women aged 18–49 years using the snowball sampling technique and was posted on thematic pro-health website forums. Results The majority of women participating in the study exhibited health behaviors on the average level (65.3%; M=7.6). Pro-health behaviors were exhibited mainly by women with higher education (M=7.7; SD=2.6), married women (M=8.0; SD=2.6), and women who were pregnant at the time (M=8.8; SD=2.6). However, single women participating in the study consumed alcohol more often (80.6%). The observed relationships were statistically significant ( P <0.05). Conclusions This survey showed that younger women with no children were significantly less likely to be aware of positive health-associated behaviors and lifestyle when compared with older women with children. This small study supports the importance of health education in young women before they have children .

Sociodemographic inequalities on women's behavioral and health outcomes: a population-based study

“…In a study carried out with women of reproductive age, healthy behaviors were found in those with a higher educational level, married, and pregnant during the research period, while among single women, alcohol consumption was reported in more than 80% of the sample 47 . The systematic analysis of the global burden of disease showed that socioeconomic development was strongly associated with a series of risks, including smoking and alcohol consumption 48 .…”