Health promotion behaviors of Jordanian women

Many developing countries are undergoing industrialization and modernization, which has produced both positive and negative implications for health. This study was designed to adapt a well-known health measure to an Arab-Muslim population and to derive health promotion data for primary health care program planning for women in Jordan. A convenience sample of 512 literate females in Jordan was recruited from community settings such as secondary schools (teachers), primary health care centers (nursing staff and patients), universities (faculty and staff), colleges, and office worksites using an Arabic translated version of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) instrument. Subjects scored highest on self-actualization, interpersonal support, and nutrition but scored lower on the exercise and health responsibility domains. Unmarried women, however, scored higher on exercise and stress management. These findings support the development of educational efforts to increase women's awareness of relationships between lifestyle and health for both themselves and for their families.