Factors Associated with Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome Among Middle-Aged Postmenopausal Korean Women: A Study Based on the Information, Motivation, Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model

PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Middle-aged women, in particular, have been reported to have significantly increased cardiovascular disease rates after menopause; however, their adherence to health behaviors is lower than that of other populations. This study examined the factors associated with health behaviors for MetS prevention based on the Information–Motivation–Behavior skills model and described the relationships between the components of the model in middle-aged women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This investigative study used an online self-report questionnaire survey that included 241 middle-aged postmenopausal women aged 45–64 years. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS 28.0, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationships among the variables. RESULTS: After controlling for age, time since menopause, and comorbidities, knowledge of MetS, social support, self-efficacy, and attitudes explained 42% of the variance in health behaviors for MetS prevention (F=18.38, p<0.001). Among these variables, self-efficacy (β=0.33, p<0.001), attitudes toward health behaviors (β=0.26, p<0.001), and knowledge of MetS (β=0.13, p=0.005) had a significant impact on health behaviors for MetS prevention. CONCLUSION: Significant associations were found between knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward health behaviors for MetS prevention among middle-aged women. The results of this study suggest that it is essential for healthcare provider to consider the components of the Information–Motivation–Behavior skills model when developing interventions aimed at improving health behaviors for MetS prevention among middle-aged postmenopausal women.