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Sense of coherence in relation to health behaviors among women in menopausal period

Krystyna Kurowska, Emilia Kierzenkowska

Affiliacja i adres do korespondencji
Curr. Gynecol. Oncol. 2014, 12 (3), p. 206–215
DOI: 10.15557/CGO.2014.0018
Streszczenie

Introduction: Menopause is a condition, which significantly affects woman’s life in many aspects. Accepting this new situation is a complicated, multi-stage process. Sense of coherence developed over lifetime appears to be a predictor of dealing with menopause. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the correlation between sense of coherence and healthy behaviors among women in menopausal period as a decisive factor for optimal health maintenance. Material and methods: The study was performed on one hundred women in menopausal period treated in the local Health Centre in Iława (Warmia and Mazury province). In order to assess the sense of coherence, respondents were questioned using the Life Orientation Questionnaire (SOC-29) and healthy behaviors were evaluated with Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ). Results: The study group of menopausal women is characterized by average level of sense of coherence as well as average level of healthy behaviors. Research shows a relationship between global SOC score and healthy behaviors. It was proven that women with high SOC level reached a higher preferred level of healthy behaviors and they overcome symptoms of menopause period with greater ease. Moreover, the extent of healthy behaviors is correlated with social and demographic variables. Women under 50 years old and those who had received tertiary education also achieved higher scores on IZZ questionnaire. Conclusions: The level of sense of coherence significantly influences the extent of healthy behaviors in the menopausal period. Women with a strong sense of coherence are characterized by a greater level of healthy behaviors. Educating women in a professional way requires recognition of individual conditions of each patient.

Słowa kluczowe
sense of coherence (SOC), healthy behaviors, menopause, coping with stress, acceptance condition