Factors associated with risk behaviors by primary health care population in the middle Anatolia

A. Koc, M. Kilic

Yıldirim Beyazit University, Health Sciences Faculty, Ankara, Turkey. aysegulkocmeister@gmail.com

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• Internal Medicine

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the risky behaviors, together with their influencing factors, of the people who apply to primary health care (PHC) institutions in the provincial center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study has been conducted on 1085 adults aged 18 years and over who have applied to the PHC institutions in the urban. Data have been collected through interviews and validated questionnaires.

RESULTS: While the risky behaviors most frequently observed in those who apply to the PHC institutions were inadequate consumption of vegetable and fruit, inadequate physical activity, not restricting dietary fat and salt intake, high body mass index (BMI) (90.9, 75.3, 71.1, 68.3, 65.7%, respectively). The least frequently observed ones were smoking (28.2%), alcohol intake, once a week or more frequently (1.3%). Of the participants in the study, 31.6% had three or less risky behaviors, and 36.3%, however, had five or more risky behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS: Of the primary care population, two-thirds have risky behaviors. As the age reduces, the probability of risky behavior (except high BMI) increases. It is suggested that the lifestyle of the adults who apply to health institutions be questioned and counseling be provided regarding their risky behaviors.

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