Assessment of the influence of socio-demographic and personality factors on health behaviours in healthy postmenopausal women

Background: Lifestyle and health behaviours are determined by the level of knowledge, beliefs, existing dysfunctions, and interpersonal relationships, as well as personality factors. The aim of this study was to assess health behaviours undertaken by postmenopausal women, and to analyze how they are influenced by personality factors. Material/Methods: The study included 196 postmenopausal women at the mean age of 56.80 +/- 4.08. The Health Behaviour Inventory and a personality questionnaire (NEO-FFI) were used. Results: In the study, women living in cities of over 100.000 residents scored higher than those living in smaller towns (p < 0.05). The level of neuroticism negatively correlated with overall health behaviours, health practices, and a positive mental attitude (p < 0.05). The level of conscientiousness negatively correlated with health behaviours, a positive mental attitude, and preventive behaviours (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between the level of extraversion and overall health behaviours, preventive behaviours, normal eating habits, health practices, and a positive mental attitude (p < 0.05). Conclusions: 1. Raising the awareness through educational programmes implemented as part of care provided by primary care centres (especially in smaller towns and rural areas) could improve the level of healthful behaviours undertaken by postmenopausal women. 2. Health behaviours are also greatly dependent on personality traits, which are biologically determined and relatively stable.