Factors determining the level of health behaviours amongst patients and healthy individuals

Aim of the study
Health behaviours play important roles in determining the health status of communities, but the evaluation of these roles remains difficult. The aim of this study was to assess the level of health behaviours in patients with different prognoses (colorectal cancer, gallstones), and in healthy participants of similar age.

Material and methods
This study included 296 general surgery patients. This group included 99 patients hospitalised due to the primary surgical treatment of colorectal cancer and 100 patients who were operated on due to gallstones. The control group comprised 97 participants who were free from cancer or gallstones, and were selected at random from visitors to the clinic. This study was based on a standardised questionnaire tool – the Health Behaviour Inventory. We also determined the effects of demographic variables on the level of health behaviours in the studied groups.

Results
The studied groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean values of HBI and its components: dietary habits, prophylactic behaviours, psychological attitude, and health practices. The highest levels of health behaviours pertained to psychological attitude and the lowest to dietary habits. Values of HBI and its components were significantly higher in females, people aged 65 years or older, single people, and non-working participants; however, these relationships differed amongst the studied groups.

Conclusions
In conclusion, this study confirmed the existence of relatively low levels of health behaviours in Polish society and highlighted potential sociodemographic features that should be considered during modification of this situation.