Health-promoting behaviors of African-American rural women

A primary role of nurse practitioners is to promote health. This study describes the practice of health-promoting behaviors of 75 African-American women in rural northwest Florida. The convenience sample completed the 94 Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP), which measures six aspects of health behavior, including exercise, nutrition, and stress management. Demographic factors were also examined in relation to participation in health-promoting behaviors. Findings showed women scoring the highest in interpersonal support and the lowest in exercise and nutrition on the HPLP subscales. Also, women with higher education and an income above $10,000 a year practiced more health-promoting behaviors. Those with less education, a lower income, and more family members practiced fewer health-promoting behaviors. Older women tended to exercise less and reported less interpersonal support. Nurse practitioners can encourage health promotion among African-American women. They can utilize strategies that maximize women's perceived benefits and self-efficacy while minimizing perceived barriers to health-promoting behaviors. Churches, worksites, and schools are suggested as accessible settings for providing programs and services to this population.