Health beliefs and health behavior in older employees of medium-size and large enterprises
Korzeniowska, E.
Medycyna Pracy 55(2): 129-138
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0465-5893 PMID: 15524080 Document Number: 579274
Background: In view of the aging process in our population there is a need to identify effective methods to prevent disadvantageous effects of this trend. In this paper the state of particular health-related behaviors and elements of health awareness among retirement-approaching employees are presented as a basis for developing efficient health promotion programs for this age group. Materials and Methods: The data presented in this paper have been gathered during the study conducted on a random sample of 1138 employees of two 25-35 and 45-55 age groups. The study was carried out in the form of a questionnaire-based interview. Results: There is no significant difference between older and younger employees with regard to their attitude towards one's own health. There are two major problems common to both age groups, the lack of awareness of very close relationship between everyday behavior and health; and a low locus of control manifested by finding excuse for health negligence in numerous problems faced each day or lack of strong will. The most specific feature in older workers is that they concentrate their health-related thinking and acting on the use of services provided by medical specialists. Conclusions: There are no sound grounds to justify the development of health promotion programs addressed only to older employees. The effective solution to this problem could be the introduction of workplace health promotion programs focused on enhancing the workers' sense of responsibility for their health and on developing skills to shape conditions favorable to health conducive behaviors.