J Nurs Acad Soc.  1995 Dec;25(4):681-695.

Predicting Health-Promoting Behaviors in Patients with Stomach Cancer

• Oh PJ

Abstract

It has been noted that a genetic alteration of cells influenced by unhealthy lifestyle in addition to a series of other carcinogens increases various neoplasmic diseases. Therefore the importance of lifestyle that minimizes such impact on health should be emphasized. Since stomach cancer, the most common neoplasmic disease in Korea, is related to the Korean lifestyle and as there's a possibility of its recurrence, people with stomach cancer need to lead a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study is to provide a basis for nursing intervention strategies to promote health promoting behaviors that are constructive to a healthy lifestyle. A multivariate model was constructed based on the Pender's health promotion model and Becker's health belief model by including influential factors such as hope. The sample was composed of 164 patients with stomach cancer who visited outpatient clinics of a university hospital in Seoul. The following instruments were used in the study after some adaptation: Wallston and others' multidimensional health locus of control scale Laffrey's health conception scale, Lawston and others' health self-rating scale, Walker and others' health promotion lifestyle profile and Rosenberg's self esteem scale. In addition Moon's health belief scale was used with some modification. For self efficacy, the present author constructed a self-efficacy scale based on previous research. The above mentioned instruments were tested in a pilot study with 24 patients with stomach cancer. The reliabilities of instruments were tested with Cronbach's alpha(0.574~0.949). Data were analyzed using a SAS program for Pearson correlation coefficients, descriptive correlational statistics and stepwise multiple regression. The results are as follows: 1. The scores on the health promoting behavior scale ranged from 55 to 145 with a mean of 107.91 (S. D: 16.50). The mean scores(range 1?) on the different dimensions were nutrition 3.14, exercise 2.48, stress management 2.69, health responsibility 2.65, interpersonal relationship 2.87 and self actualization 2.85. 2. There were significant correlations among all the predictive variables and the health promoting behavior (r=.20- .55, p<.01) 3. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that: 1) Hope was the main predictor and accounted for 29.8% of the total variance. 2) Self efficacy, perceived barriers and self esteem accounted for an additional 14.6% of the total variance. 3) Hope, self efficacy, perceived barriers and self esteem altogether accounted for 44.3% of the total variance. In conclusion, hope, self efficacy, perceived barriers and self esteem were identified as important variables that contributed to promote health promoting behavior.

MeSH Terms

Ambulatory Care Facilities
Carcinogens
Fertilization
Health Promotion
Hope
Humans
Internal-External Control
Korea
Life Style
Nursing
Pilot Projects
Recurrence
Self Concept
Self Efficacy
Seoul
Stomach Neoplasms*
Stomach*
Carcinogens