Health behaviors of women relative to marital status and social support

The purpose of the study was to compare the preventive health behaviors of a group of never married women with those of a group of married women. Also analyzed was whether subjects perceived their health behavior to be influenced by supportive social relationships. Thirty of each group were selected through snowball sampling, having met the criteria of full-time employment, ages 30 to 49, and residence in Watauga County, North Carolina.

The subjects responded to a health risk appraisal which included questions about smoking, alcohol and drug use, eating habits, exercise, stress control, and safety. This was followed by questions about the use of health services and an interview about the influence of others on health behaviors.

The groups were compared by frequencies of health behaviors and through chi square analysis to determine differences. Although differences in frequencies were reported, the health behaviors of the sample were relatively similar: only two were statistically significant. Married women were more likely to wear seat belts while riding in a car and to eat a variety of foods to achieve a well-balanced diet. These differences are probably attributable to role performance (married women preparing nutritious meals for their families and setting an example for children by buckling up).

Although both groups of women had high levels of support to choose healthy lifestyles, the sources of support were different. Never married women reported being most influenced by women friends, persons with whom they had dating or sexual relationships, parents, medical professionals, and education. Rated as having the most influence by married women were husbands, children, medical professionals, and education.

Subjects of both groups reported being influenced by many factors in addition to social support, such as having a family history of disease and concern about appearance or aging. Suchman's Model of Preventive Health Behavior was used to report relevant anecdotal data which illustrated the complexity of factors influencing health behaviors. The study provided further evidence that supportive social relationships are positively associated with good health through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and reduction of risk taking.