Effects of Health Management Program on Body composition, Self-efficacy and Health Promotion Behavior in Middle-Aged Women

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a health management program on body composition(body weight, body fat mass, body fat ratio, lean body mass, abdominal fat ratio), self-efficacy and health promotion behavior in middle-aged women. This 6-week long program containing exercise and health education was developed by researchers. The study design was one group pretest-posttest design. Data for the study was collected from August 1 to September 15, 2002. The participants consisted of 15 middle - aged women living in the community. The collected data was analyzed using Wilcoxon Matched - Signed - Ranks Test by SPSS/WIN program The results are as follows : 1. There was a significant difference in body composition at week 6 compared to week 1. The body weight, body fat mass and body fat ratio significantly decreased(Z= -2.533, p=. 011 ; Z= -2.023, p= .043; Z= -2.023, p= .043). But the lean body mass significantly increased(Z= -2.226, p= .026). 2.There was a significant improvement in self-efficacy at week 6 compared to week 1(Z= -3.434, p= .001). 3.There was a significant improvement in health promotion behavior at week 6 compared to week 1(Z = -3.305, p= .001). In conclusion, health management program promoting self - efficacy for middle-aged women was effective in improving health promotion behavior. Further study with a longer follow up period is necessary in order to test the long term effect of the program.