Assessment of Health Promotion Life Style of a Sample of Nigerians in Early Old Age
Eucharia O. Ejechi

Abstract
Adults aged 55-69 years were investigated for life styles that expose them to health risks. A structured questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.72) was used to obtain information on health promotion life style (HPLS) domains of diet, health factors, physical activity, social engagement, and relaxation. Average HPLS (median, 54 vs. 100 max. points), which varied with demographic characteristics was indicated. Females’ HPLS was better than male’s (58 vs. 44; P<0.05) while respondents with tertiary education were better than lower education cohorts (55 vs. 42-44; P<0.05). HPLS for 55-59 years respondents was lower than older cohorts’ (44 vs. 52.5- 53.5; P<0.05) while no significant difference by marital status occurred. Logistic regression analyses indicated that gender, age and education were significantly associated with HPLS. Although the overall prevalence of poor HPLS was 47.5%, it varied by domains (35.5-66.8%). The substantial prevalence of poor HPLS necessitates awareness campaigns with males, middle age and poorly educated adults as principal targets.

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