Lack of awareness of health promotion messages in a group of New Zealanders over the age of forty living in the Manawatu : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Philosophy at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2000
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Massey University
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Abstract
The aim of the Health Promotion Awareness Study was to assess the awareness of health promotion messages from public and commercial organisations in a non-random group of self-selected adults living in the Manawatu. A secondary aim was to compare the lifestyle habits of the group with those reported in national surveys. The study involved 115 self-selected New Zealanders (43 men and 72 women) over the age of forty years. Awareness of health promotion messages was assessed using a mailed out survey of which 69 were returned. Adherence to health promotion messages from commercial organisations was also assessed. Food intake was estimated by 24-hour dietary recall. Basic anthropometric measurements were made (height, weight, hip and waist circumference), and a submaximal exercise test wras used to assess fitness. Habitual physical activity was defined using two questionnaires and a self-reported assessment of health (SF-36) was completed. The results show that subjects met the New Zealand national guidelines for food intake, fitness and physical activity but felt they ought to exercise more. There was a good awareness of national health promotion organisations but only half the subjects had a general idea about the content of the health messages with women having a greater awareness than men. Messages from commercial organisations were generally not adhered to. This group of adult New Zealanders had a healthy lifestyle that was not associated with a high awareness of public health messages, suggesting that other sources of health information are used.
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Keywords
New Zealand Manawatu District, Health promotion