Positive orientation and health behaviors in older patients with atherosclerosis.

Abstract

Background: Human health is determined by a number of physical, social and psychological factors, including the often considered health behaviors. They are an indispensable part of the health recovery process and are also the basis of prevention in the development of such disorders as atherosclerosis. Health behaviors are reinforced by an individual's resources such as positive orientation, which is composed of optimism, high self-esteem and satisfaction with life. The main objective of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between positive orientation and health behavior, in a group of people with atherosclerosis.

Participants and procedure: Sixty-one patients, both male and female, in late adulthood were surveyed (M = 69.41, SD = 5.44). A researcher-designed questionnaire, the Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ) and the Positive Orientation Scale (P-Scale) were used in the measurement. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the 2013 Declaration of Helsinki.

Results: The results showed that patients with a more positive attitude toward life are more likely to use health-promoting behaviors.

Conclusions: There is a positive relationship between positive orientation and health behaviors. Positive orientation can be enhanced through appropriate psychoeducation and psychological support to prevent ill health and improve treatment of patients with atherosclerosis.