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The Influence of Health Promoting Practices on the Quality of Life of Community Adults in Hong Kong

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An Erratum to this article was published on 03 November 2009

Abstract

The importance of a healthy lifestyle is receiving increasing attention due to its impact on health and well-being. However, very few studies have been done on health promoting practices of the general public in Hong Kong. The present study aimed to identify the patterns of health promoting practices of the general public in Hong Kong, to compare health promoting practices across gender and education levels, and to examine the relationship between health promoting practices and quality of life. A total of 941 community adults were recruited using a randomized household survey design. Results revealed that a large proportion of participants reported practicing various types of health promoting behavior related to healthy food choice, engaging in stress management strategies, and refraining from health compromising behavior such as smoking and drinking excessively. Female participants were more likely to choose healthy food, refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol excessively, and take vitamin supplements, whereas male participants were more likely to exercise regularly. Both men and women with higher levels of education were more likely to report not smoking, not drinking alcohol excessively, and participating in social activities. Women with higher levels of education were also more likely to engage in relaxing activities but less likely to report exercising regularly and sleeping sufficiently. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that stress management and social relations significantly predicted better quality of life for both male and female participants, and types of preventive health behavior were significant predictors of quality of life for female participants only. Results highlighted the importance of advocating health promoting practices among the general public in Hong Kong. Implications for future practice were discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University Boulevard, 8 William Lee Buildings, Science and Technology Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RQ, UK

    Phoenix K. H. Mo

  2. Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 3/F Sino Building, Shatin, Hong Kong

    W. S. Mak Winnie

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  1. Phoenix K. H. Mo
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  2. W. S. Mak Winnie
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Correspondence to W. S. Mak Winnie.

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An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-009-9544-4

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Mo, P.K.H., Winnie, W.S.M. The Influence of Health Promoting Practices on the Quality of Life of Community Adults in Hong Kong. Soc Indic Res 95, 503–517 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-009-9523-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-009-9523-9

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