Health behaviors and their determinants in multiethnic, active Israeli seniors.
To assess factors that affect the adoption of healthy lifestyles among a variety of active Israeli seniors, a survey was conducted in 2002 at the Peiluyada, a physical activity-oriented health fair for seniors held annually in Israel from 1995 to 2002. A multi-language, self-administered questionnaire, assessing predisposing factors, barriers and health-protective behaviors, was fielded to potential participants. Response rate at the event was 51%. Hebrew and Arabic speakers generally characterized their health as good to very good, while Russian speakers' health was rated only poor to fair. Over 80% engaged in regular physical activity, were satisfied with their diet, and conformed to international nutritional recommendations. Vaccination coverage against influenza (81%) and pneumocccocus (58%) was highest among Arabic speakers, and lowest among Russian speakers (33.5% and 12%, respectively). Higher age (> or =75 years) was significantly associated with receiving a vaccination against influenza. Major barriers to exercise included low motivation and poor physical health or disability. Health-related dietary restrictions were the leading nutritional barrier. Prominent barriers to vaccination included concerns about vaccine effectiveness (39%) and side effects (29%). Leading cues to action were a recommendation from one's doctor (67%) and from a healthcare worker (51%).
Shemesh
Anat A
AA
Israeli Ministry of Health, 2 Ben Tabai Street, Jerusalem 93591, Israel.
Rasooly
Iris
I
Horowitz
Pamela
P
Lemberger
John
J
Ben-Moshe
Yosefa
Y
Kachal
Josefa
J
Danziger
Josepha
J
Clarfield
A Mark
AM
Rosenberg
Elliot
E
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000523:psychology*; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires