Lifestyles of women Ocuilapa of Juarez, Ocozocoautla, Chiapas

Abstract

The role of women is significant in the training and education of healthy lifestyle habits. This research aimed at determining the age-related lifestyles of local women of Juarez de Ocuilapa, of the municipality of Ocozocoautla in Chiapas, Mexico. The sample was comprised of 754 rural women aged 16 to 80 (M + Sd= 38.63 + 13.96). The study used the Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire (PEPS-1) with six scales: responsibility in health, stress management, interpersonal support, self-actualization, nutrition and exercise. Usual recreational and leisure activities of women were also assessed. Results show that the highest average was for self-actualization and interpersonal support. Pearson coeficient indicated relationships between self-actualization and interpersonal support (R² = 0.67 P < 0.001); and between responsibility in health and stress management (R² = 0.66 P < 0.001). Significant differences were found in responsibility for health and stress management in age groups of 18 to 40 years, 41 to 60 years and > 60 years (P < 0.05). Women aged 18 to 40 had the highest percentages for household activities and recreation, limited to watching television. The profile of the women in the study was: mostly sedentary, dedicated to housework and family care, without addictions. Women showed lack of knowledge about stress management and responsibility in health. In addition, they did not know the importance of exercise in the prevention of chronic diseases and they were not interested in updating their health knowledge.