Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the health status and health promoting behavior of older adults in rural area. The design of research was descriptive study. 883 older adults over sixty years living in the rural area of Pusan city were surveyed from July 9, 1999 to July 20, 1999 through direct interview using a questionnaire and physical examination. The collected data were analyzed for percentage, mean, Chi square-test, ANOVA using the SPSS computerized program. The main results were as follows: 1. 43.4% of subjects lived alone or with only partner. 2. 37.13% of subjects had perceived own health condition as bad. 3. Major chronic diseases that the subjects were suffered were diabetes(25.94%) and hypertension(9.11%). 4. The mean score of perceived depression was 17.71 of 44. 5. 87.98% of subjects replied that they had good relationship with their family and friends. 6. 8.57% of subjects were identified as over weight, while 10.85% were low weight. 7. 29.93% of subjects replied that they were smoking. By the group, the rate of smoking of man was significantly higher than women, and lower age group than higher age group, and higher education group than lower education group. 8. 70.38% of subjects didn't practice exercise. By the group, the rate of exercise of woman was significantly lower than man, and higher age group than lower age group, and lower education group than higher education group. 9. 12.33% of subjects replied for the frequency of drinking as more three times a week. By the groups, man showed significantly more frequency than woman, the lower age group than higher age group, the lower education group than the higher education group. 11. The mean score of nutrition state was 3.73 which means moderate risk state. 12. The 57.53% of subjects replied their sleeping time as below 7 hours. 13. The 15.75% of subjects had experience a periodical inspection. In conclusion, older adults in rural area were identified having various health risk factor. Looking at the results, It is necessary to develope health promotion program which enhances older adults to practice health promoting behavior and to manage their chronic disease.