Positive Orientation as a Predictor of Health Behavior during Chronic Diseases

Background: Positive orientation includes optimism, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. This research was conducted to determine whether positive orientation is an important predictor of health behaviors of patients with chronic movement disorders which require a rehabilitation program. Methods: The study involved 93 patients, including 46 women (49.5%) and 47 men (50.5%). The study utilized a standardized Positive Orientation Scale and a Health Behavior Inventory to measure the intensity of health-promoting behaviors. Results: The two variables of age and positive orientation were found to be predictors of overall healthy behavior, explaining a total of 22% variance of the dependent variable. Age was a predictor of preventative behavior (β = 0.37; R² = 0.16). Its share in the prediction of this variable was significant (16%). The highest predictive value of positive mental attitude was having a positive orientation (β = 0.42; R² = 0.17), which explained 17% of the variance of the dependent variable. However, age explained 14% of the variability of health practice results (β = 0.39; R² = 0.14). Conclusion: The results of the research indicate the need to implement preventive programs with a positive orientation to modify the health behavior of chronically ill male and female patients.