Association between Style of Living and General Health in Suburban Women: A Cross-sectional Study in South East of Iran

Introduction: In developing countries, suburban population is increasing. But, their health issues are rarely considered in studies, inappropriate socioeconomic and environmental factors in their neighbourhood can affect their lifestyle and health. Compared to men, women have fewer social resources and are more susceptible to an unfavourable environment in general. Aim: To investigate the association between lifestyle and general health status in suburban women. Materials and Methods: This correlation cross-sectional study assessed the lifestyle and general health among suburban women living in Shirabad neighbourhood, Zahedan, Iran. Randomized one stage cluster sampling was used and 132 people participated in the study. Lifestyle Questionnaire (LSQ) and General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) were used for data collection. For data analysis, descriptive statistical methods, Pearson�s correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis were performed. Results: Mean score of LSQ was 100.23±20.45 and mean GHQ-28 score was 28.46±16.41. There was a significant negative relationship between lifestyle and GHQ-28 total score (r=-0.619, p=0.01). Multivariate regression analysis showed among predictor variables, education, sports and fitness and psychological health components had significant relationship with GHQ-28 (p=0.003, p=0.009, p=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrated suburban women have poor lifestyle and health status. Also, it showed a significant relationship between education, sports and fitness and psychological health components and health. As a result, implementation of programs to modify lifestyle especially in the field of sports and improving the educational level could be useful in promoting women's health. © 2017, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.