Interactions between health behaviours and body perception in women of reproductive age - a preliminary study

Women's health behaviours in reproductive age are activities that directly or indirectly affect their health status, as well as the health of future generations. The aim of the study is to explore the impact of women's health behaviours on body perception, taking into account factors that may influence these interactions.

The study was conducted in 2020 and 2022. 438 women of reproductive age were surveyed. The study tools were: the Positive Health Behaviour Scale for Women, Body Esteem Scale (BES), and a proprietary socio-demographic questionnaire.

Regarding health behaviours, the highest mean score was for the nutrition domain (19.28 ± 4.75), and the lowest was for physical activity (12.18 ± 3.11). The mean for the overall body assessment score was 108.93 ± 22.67. A better rating of sexual attractiveness was positively associated with greater physical activity (β = 0.376; p = 0.000). The explanatory variable for the weight concern domain was health behaviour in terms of physical activity (β = 0.381; p = 0.000), the physical fitness score improved as the physical activity of the female subjects increased (β = 0.365; p = 0.000).

As positive health behaviours in nutrition, psychosocial health and physical activity increase, body evaluation in weight control and physical fitness decreases. Physical activity is a predictor of body self-assessment in sexual attractiveness, weight control, and physical condition.