Objective: This study examined relationships among demographics, definitions of health, perceived health status, perceived self-efficacy, resources, and health promoting behaviors in military women, both active duty and reserve.
Design: The study was guided by Pender’s (1996) Health Promotion model and used a prospective descriptive design.
Population, Sample, Setting, and Years: A sample of 483 military women participated in the study, including 141 active duty women with children, 137 active duty without children, 102 reservists with children, and 103 reservists without children. Data were collected from April 1999 to April 2001.
Variables Studied Together: Research instruments included: (a) a demographic data sheet; (b) the Laffrey Health Conception Scale; (c) the Family Inventory of Resources for Management (FIRM); (d) the Perceived Competence Measure; (e) the Perceived Health Status Scale; and (f) the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II).
Methods: Subjects completed instruments during one clinic visit. Multiple regression and ANOVA analyses examined predictor relationships among all variables and differences between the groups on major study variables.
Findings: The groups differed significantly on scores for the HPLPII. Active duty mothers reported the highest stress, but received more interpersonal and spiritual support, ate a healthier diet, and participated in more physical activity. Perceived health status was predictive of perceived self-efficacy in all groups. Military status and role were predictive of perceived interpersonal resources for the reservists, while active duty women’s interpersonal support was predicted by perceived health status, enthusiastic feelings of well being, and military status as officer or enlisted.
Conclusions: Health promoting behaviors are not dependent solely upon the individual’s desire to become healthier, but require a perception of sufficient social support and a high degree of commitment to pursue healthy activities.
Implications: Interventions can be tailored to female military personnel with attention to military status and the presence of children requiring attention.
Back to Health Promotion and Physical Fitness in Military and Civilian Personnel: Preparation for Homeland Defense
Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003