Healthy life-style behaviors and related factors among Turkish primary health care professionals

Abstract

Objective: The role of health professionals working in primary care in providing services to all segments of society and in protecting
 and improving the health of all individuals is extremely important. The aim of this study is to determine the healthy lifestyle behaviors
 of primary health care workers in Karabük city center and to examine some factors that may affect the choice of a healthy lifestyle.
 Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October-December 2019 with the participation of 334
 healthcare professionals in Karabük. The questionnaire with 27 questions and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II (HLBS-II) were
 administered.
 Results: The median age of the health care workers participating in the study was 38.2 ± 10.6. Of the participants 53.8% were women
 and approximately three-quarters of the participants (70.8%) were married. In terms of occupational groups, 10.9% of the participants
 were physicians, 25.0% were nurses and midwives, 16.7% were health officers/technicians and 47.4% were composed of other
 employees. The HLBS-II total score was found to be 126.8±21.3. The HLBS-II total score were higher in women, those who defined
 their health status as good, university graduates those who did not smoke, had good nutrition, exercised, and were satisfied with their
 body appearance.
 Conclusion: In our study, it was found that the healthy life behavior scores of health workers were at a good level. Especially men,
 smokers, high school graduates, obese, those who do not pay attention to their nutrition and physical activity should be informed and
 be supported by healthy living behavior programs.