Factors Associated with Health-Promoting Behaviors among Late Middle-Aged Women: Focusing on Aging Anxiety, Social Support, Self-Efficacy, and Physiological Indicators

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between aging anxiety, social support, and self-efficacy, and to determine the factors influencing health-promoting behaviors among late middle-aged women. Methods: This study utilized a descriptive research design. The participants were 136 late middle-aged women visiting vocational training centers in Sejong Special Self-Governing City. Data were collected using structured questionnaires regarding general characteristics, aging anxiety, social support, and self-efficacy. Physiological indicators, including blood glucose levels and body mass index (BMI), were also measured. Results: The factors significantly influencing health-promoting behaviors in late middle-aged women were social support (β=.40, p<.001), subjective health status categorized as "healthy" (β=.27, p=.019) or "average" (β=.29, p=.009), blood glucose levels (β=.17, p=.010), BMI (β=.16, p=.012), and aging anxiety (β=-.16, p=.042). These factors explained 48.9% of the total variance in health-promoting behaviors (adjusted R²=.489). Conclusion: The findings suggest that psychological, social, and physiological factors should be considered when developing health promotion strategies for late middle-aged women. Community-based programs that enhance social support and nursing interventions addressing health perception, aging anxiety, and physiological health management may help support health-promoting behaviors in this population.