Responsibility for health - public awareness

Abstract

Abstract Health is the most precious value of every human being. Attitudes concerning health behavior are determined by many factors. Patterns of actions are passed on from the earliest years by parents and caregivers, which are copied or changed during the course of life. The adoption of health behaviors changes depending on age, gender, economic conditions, the influence of mass media, advertising, personality traits, socio-cultural factors. However, a person himself is responsible for the behaviors he undertakes that have a positive or negative impact on his health.

The aim of this study is to assess the responsibility for one's own health and the health-promoting behaviors undertaken by the individuals surveyed.

Material and methods The study involved 100 randomly selected residents of Przemyśl. It was conducted between December 2020 and the end of January 2021. The research was voluntary and anonymous. In this study, the method of diagnostic survey was used. The research tool was a survey questionnaire, which consisted of a questionnaire and the Juczyński Health Behavior Inventory, assessing behaviors in four categories: eating habits, preventive behaviors, health practices and positive mental attitude. A statistical significance level of p<0.05 was assumed.

Results and conclusions Low level of intensity of health behaviors was presented by 27% of subjects, average results were obtained by 43% of subjects. High level of intensity of health behaviors was presented by 30% of subjects. Women show a higher rate of proper eating habits, preventive behaviors, and work practices. Age of the subjects did not influence positive mental attitude. Subjects under 35 presented higher levels of health practices than subjects over 35.