Health-promoting lifestyle profile and associated factors among medical staff working in a primary health care centers in AL-Rusafah 2022

Abstract

Background: The lifestyle of an individual significantly influences health-promoting behaviors. The World Health Organization defines health promotion as a mechanism enabling people to increase control over and improve their health. This concept extends beyond disease management and cure, emphasizing personal, social, political, and institutional resources to enhance well-being. A health-promoting lifestyle is a multidimensional pattern of self-initiated behaviors aimed at maintaining or improving wellness, self-actualization, and fulfillment. This study aimed to evaluate the health-promoting lifestyle profile of medical staff working in primary health care centers of Al-Rusafa, Baghdad. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 235 medical staff selected using a simple random sampling method from three Primary Health Care Districts in Al-Rusafa Health Directorate. All primary health care centers in these districts were included. Data collection tools included a demographic information form and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: Among the six components of HPLP-II, self-realization had the highest mean score (2.83± 0.61), whereas physical activity had the lowest (1.97±0.62). The overall HPLP-II score varied significantly by gender, marital status, profession, BMI, smoking status, and physical exercise. However, it showed no significant difference concerning working years, comorbidities, alcohol consumption, or annual health check-ups. Conclusion: The majority of medical staff exhibited a moderate level of health-promoting lifestyle. The findings highlight the necessity for interventions aimed at improving lifestyle behaviors among medical staff, which could also support broader health promotion programs for the population.