Pratibha Bhandari1, MiYoung Kim. 1. 1PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Woosong University, South Korea 2PhD, Associate Professor, Division of Nursing Science, Ewha Womans University, South Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Health-promoting behaviors assist individuals to prevent disease, promote health, increase longevity, and enjoy a better quality of life. A number of interpersonal, social, and environmental factors have been shown to influence health-promoting behaviors. Little empirical evidence exists about the predictors of health-promoting behaviors among migrant workers. PURPOSE: This study uses Pender's health promotion model to describe and identify the predictors of health-promoting behaviors in Nepalese migrant workers in Korea. METHODS: A cross-sectional research design was used. Nepalese migrants who had been working in South Korea (n = 169) for over 6 months were surveyed between July and December 2012. Self-efficacy was measured using the Perceived Health Competence Scale, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II was used to measure health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, and perceived health status was measured using a single-item question. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Spiritual activity was the highest reported health-promoting behavior, whereas physical activity was the least practiced behavior. Self-efficacy was the only significant predictor of health-promoting behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that future health-promoting interventions should enhance the self-efficacy of target populations for individual health behaviors. Factors such as working conditions, culture, and economic background that may affect the health-promoting behaviors of migrant workers must be considered when planning nursing interventions. Multicultural nursing structures and policies are needed to reach out proactively to all adult migrant groups.
BACKGROUND: Health-promoting behaviors assist individuals to prevent disease, promote health, increase longevity, and enjoy a better quality of life. A number of interpersonal, social, and environmental factors have been shown to influence health-promoting behaviors. Little empirical evidence exists about the predictors of health-promoting behaviors among migrant workers. PURPOSE: This study uses Pender's health promotion model to describe and identify the predictors of health-promoting behaviors in Nepalese migrant workers in Korea. METHODS: A cross-sectional research design was used. Nepalese migrants who had been working in South Korea (n = 169) for over 6 months were surveyed between July and December 2012. Self-efficacy was measured using the Perceived Health Competence Scale, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II was used to measure health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, and perceived health status was measured using a single-item question. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Spiritual activity was the highest reported health-promoting behavior, whereas physical activity was the least practiced behavior. Self-efficacy was the only significant predictor of health-promoting behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that future health-promoting interventions should enhance the self-efficacy of target populations for individual health behaviors. Factors such as working conditions, culture, and economic background that may affect the health-promoting behaviors of migrant workers must be considered when planning nursing interventions. Multicultural nursing structures and policies are needed to reach out proactively to all adult migrant groups.