Abstract

PURPOSE
This study has a purpose to suggest research and intervention directions for health promoting behaviors (HPB) of the Korean middle-aged in the future.
METHODS
Forty four articles on HPB of the Korean middle-aged were reviewed and analyzed. The articles analyzed are theses written for a doctoral or master's degree and published between 1995 and 2007.
RESULTS
1. As for the major characteristics of the subject groups, most of them were between 40 and 60 years old (61.4%), were females (79.5%), and resided in cities (84.1%). 2. The dependent variables adopted were physiological, psychological and cognitive factors (self-efficacy, knowledge of health management, etc.), HPB and factors related to Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP). 3. The average scores of HPLP were 1.57~3.08 on a 4-point scale. The highest score was observed in self-actualization, and the lowest score in exercise. 4. Self-efficacy, perceived health status and income had significant correlations with HPB. 5. In regression analysis, self-efficacy, self-esteem and perceived health status were the most powerful predictors.
CONCLUSION
It is necessary to develop intervention tools for more diverse HPB of the Korean middle-aged. The interventions are recommended to focus on increasing exercise and to use strategies for improving self-efficacy and self-esteem.

• Keywords: Middle-aged;Health promotion;