An Inquiry into Exercise Behaviors of Middle-aged Women in Korea - A Q-methodological approach -

Abstract

Purpose: This study was performed to identify the factors which affected exercise and the perceived exercise behaviors in women according to Q-methodology and to provide basic strategies for health promotion of middle-aged women in Korea. Method: Q-methodology provides a scientific method for identifying perception structures that exist within certain individuals or groups. Thirty subjects in Seoul, Incheon, Chung-buk classified 35 selected Q-statements in to 9 points standard. The collected data was analyzed by using a QUANL pc program. Result: Principal component analysis identified 3 types of exercise behavior of middle-aged women in Korea and named by the researcher. They are called persistent activity preference type, living-exercise preference type, exercise mania type. In persistent activity preference type, the middle-aged women thought activity was very helpful to achieving health and releasing stress or fatigue. Also, they recognized the relationship between physical health and psychological health. In livingexercise preference type, the middle-aged women preferred maintaining stability or nonactivity to intended exercise or activity for health. In exercise mania type, the middle-aged women thought there was no other way to keep her health than to exercise. Conclusion: The findings of this study will provide the health care provider including nurse with useful information. It's very important to offer appropriate exercise intervention to the middle-aged women of each type by taking into consideration the characteristics of individual types.