Positive Health Behaviors and Their Determinants Among Men Active on the Labor Market in Poland

Abstract

This paper reports on results from research conducted on health behaviors undertaken of men. Health behavior is one of the determinants of our health. The way in which people care for their health affects not only their health, but also their well-being, quality of life, and work ability. The lifestyle and health behavior have a significant impact on health, whereas a lack of pro-health behavior may cause the risk of many diseases and mortality, especially among men. The aim of the study was to define the determinants of positive health behaviors among men aged 20–65, active on the labor market. To check the attitudes of men toward health and health behavior, a questionnaire-based research has been carried out among 600 men active on the labor market. Several tools were used: Positive Health Behaviour Scale (Woynarowska-Sołdan & Węziak-Białowolska, 2012), Work Ability Index (Tuomi et al., 1998), work–life balance—with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (subscale “Work-home conflict”) (Kristensen & Borg, 2005), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (Wallston & Wallston, 1978, in polish adaptation Juczyński, 2001), Inventory for Psychological Sex Assessment (Kuczyńska, 2012) and Personal Values (Juczyński, 2001), and questionnaire “Work conditions” (developed in CIOPPIB). These studies have shown which factors determine their health behavior. The positive health behaviors of men were associated with good economic status, high self-assessment of care for health, positive opinions about life and work, and masculinity. They were also white-collar workers with good work ability.