SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND LIFESTYLES IN ADULT POPULATION CONCEPCIÓN, CHILE

Abstract

There are many factors that create disparities in access and use of health systems, resulting inequalities in both health promotion and the possibilities of recovery and survival after an illness. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between lifestyle health promoter and psychosocial, demographic and health variables, in the communes of Coronel and Concepción. Methods: It is a descriptive and correlational study, quantitative orientation. The study population consisted of 441 adults, both sexes, between 20 and 65 years old users of primary health care in 2011. The sample was not random, with quotas for gender and age. The instrument used to measure was the Scale Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. The information processing was performed with SAS program. Results: A significant association was found between the life style health promoter and structural determinants such as place of residence, age, sex, education, income. Significant associations were found in psychosocial variables such as perception of environmental problems; satisfaction with aspects of life, emotional support, support and confidence, self-esteem and self-efficacy. Conclusions: Results suggest the need of considering, besides to structural factors, the psychosocial factors at the gaze and health intervention for enhancing health promoting life styles. Psychosocial factors are strongly associated with health promoting life styles.