A Questionnaire-Based Study to Evaluate Health-Related Behaviors in 602 Women of Reproductive Age in Poland

BACKGROUND: Women’s health and undertaking health behaviors during the reproductive period by women, especially during pregnancy, are an important indicator that is reflected both in their own health and in health of their children. This study aimed to use a questionnaire to evaluate the health-related behaviors in women of reproductive age in Poland. MATERIAL/METHODS: The studies were conducted among 602 women of reproductive age by diagnostic poll method with the use of questionnaire technique. The applied tool was an original on-line questionnaire. A link to the questionnaire was sent to women aged 18–49 years using the snowball sampling technique and was posted on thematic pro-health website forums. RESULTS: The majority of women participating in the study exhibited health behaviors on the average level (65.3%; M=7.6). Pro-health behaviors were exhibited mainly by women with higher education (M=7.7; SD=2.6), married women (M=8.0; SD=2.6), and women who were pregnant at the time (M=8.8; SD=2.6). However, single women participating in the study consumed alcohol more often (80.6%). The observed relationships were statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This survey showed that younger women with no children were significantly less likely to be aware of positive health-associated behaviors and lifestyle when compared with older women with children. This small study supports the importance of health education in young women before they have children.