Type A Behaviour Pattern and Health Behaviour of Polish Nurses

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Behavioral Science
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• The coronary-prone behavior pattern (Type A) is a coping mechanism for stress.
• Nurses face stressors like long hours and shift work, potentially leading to unhealthy lifestyles.
• Assessing Type A behavior in nurses is crucial for understanding their health and work-related behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of the coronary-prone behavior pattern (Type A) among Polish nurses.
• To examine the relationship between Type A behavior, health behaviors, and work conditions in nurses.
• To identify potential health risks and protective factors associated with Type A behavior in this population.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study was conducted with 1080 nurses in Silesia, Poland.
• Data collection occurred between June 2017 and May 2018 using questionnaires.
• Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the acquired data.

Main Results:

• 30.8% of nurses exhibited the coronary-prone behavior pattern (Type A), while 25.2% showed Type B behavior.
• Nurses with Type A behavior reported better nutrition and significantly better mental and physical well-being.
• Type A nurses demonstrated superior stress-coping abilities and a lower risk of alcohol-related problems compared to other groups.

Conclusions:

• The coronary-prone behavior pattern (Type A) in nurses is associated with health-promoting behaviors.
• These include enhanced mental and physical well-being, improved stress management, and reduced risk of alcohol issues.
• Findings suggest Type A behavior may confer protective health advantages for nurses under specific work conditions.