Health-promoting behaviors, perceived social support, and self-reported health of Appalachian elderly

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine the relationships among health-promoting behaviors, perceived social support, and self-reported health of 113 persons age 55 years and over, who were attending nutrition sites in northern West Virginia. Three hypotheses were formulated: (1) health-promoting behaviors are positively related to perceived social support; (2) health-promoting behaviors are positively related to self-reported health, and (3) perceived social support is positively related to self-reported health. Only the first two were supported by our findings. Data analysis revealed positive correlations between the average health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP) score and education, and frequency of attending the nutrition site screening clinics for high blood pressure and diabetes. Better-educated subjects scored higher on selected subscales of the HPLP (self-actualization and health responsibility). Age was negatively correlated with the HPLP subscales of health responsibility and exercise. Nurses and support personnel at nutrition sites should focus increased attention on the older participants and those who are less well-educated. Expanding the variety and frequency of health services available to nutrition site participants merits attention.