The Cognition and Behavior of Lifestyle-Related Diseases Prevention in Middle-Aged Women and Their Association with Physical Assessment

Abstract

Backgrounds: Lifestyle-related diseases have been increasing through rapid changes in lifestyle, which might be contributable to disturbance of the QOL (Quality of Life) and the high prevalence of three major illnesses. Healthcare during and after menopause may be an important priority for healthy life in middle-aged women. We conducted the present study to examine the cognition and behavior of lifestyle-related disease prevention, and physical determinants in middle-aged women, and compared the results along for each life stage. Methods: The subjects comprised women aged between 40 to 74 years who had received a specific checkup (n=522). The survey was conducted using an anonymous self-reporting questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four components (subject characteristics, lifestyle, knowledge of metabolic syndrome, and menopausal features and evaluation of menopause). We also asked each of the respondents to transfer the results of their specific health checkups, (height, weight, BMI, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, lipids (TG, LDL-C and HDL-C), blood glucose). The survey was conducted between May and December 2016. Results: The mean age was 64.1 ± 8.9 years (mean ± SD). The percentages of subjects in their 40s and 50s who suffered from strong or moderate stress was more than 60%. Sleep satisfaction was greater among the higher age brackets. There were some differences in lifestyle such as work, sleep and exercise among each age bracket. The higher the age bracket, the higher the knowledge and cognition of lifestyle-related diseases. Preventive behavior was also more prevalent among the higher age brackets. There was some correlation between the cognition and behavior of lifestyle-related disease prevention and physical assessment in each age bracket among middle-aged women. Conclusion: It was suggested that the information on lifestyle-related diseases should be provided from the younger generation and along with each age bracket among middle-aged women.