Dimensions of health behaviour among the 65-74-year-old population in eastern Finland.

Correlations between individual health habits, dimensions of health behaviour and differences in health habits between nonsmokers, ex-smokers and smokers were studied in a 65-74-year-old population in eastern Finland. The results showed the cumulative character of many positive health habits. High health knowledge was associated with positive health habits. The health habits of smokers were less positive than those of nonsmokers or ex-smokers. Factor analysis showed the health behaviour to be multidimensional in character. There were differences in the dimensions of health behaviour between men and women.