Health-related lifestyle assessment among Spanish adults from 22 to 72 years

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this paper has focused on assessing the level of health-related lifestyle acquired in Spanish adults in the Spanish cities of Albacete and Murcia, and analyzing the existing differences according to sex and age.

Material and methods

On a sample of 788 subjects aged between 22 and 72, the Health-related Lifestyle Assessment Scale was applied, consisting of 52 items and structured in 7 dimensions that explained a total variance of 66.87% and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.894.

Results

A percentage of 12 of the adults surveyed have a healthy lifestyle, 53% show a trend to health and 35% poor or unhealthy. Pearson’s χ² tests show a positive and significant association of women with health and a trend of significant improvement in lifestyle with age. The inferential data (t-Student tests and one-factor ANOVA) confirm these differences according to gender and age.

Conclusions

It is necessary to promote preventive programs to improve health in the habits of the population, especially in the 35% that show a poor or unhealthy level of lifestyle.