HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIORS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 18 YEAR-OLD AUSTRALIANS

Psychosocial variables associated with health-related behaviours for d iet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking were examined in 18 year-old Australian men (n = 301) and women (n = 282). These psy chosocial variables included Type A behaviour and depression. perceive d self-efficacy for engaging in healthy behaviours and perceived barri ers to performing these behaviours. Self-efficacy for following a heal thy diet and moderating alcohol intake was greater in females but male s had higher self-efficacy for physical activity. Self-efficacy for sm oking did not differ according to gender. Lack of willpower was percei ved as a barrier to desirable dietary, smoking and physical activity b ehaviours. Other perceived diet-related barriers included buying suita ble foods when eating out, ignorance about appropriate foods and, in y oung women, perceived expense. Barriers for desirable levels of physic al activity included planning time, tiredness, limiting social life an d lack of social support. Social occasions were the main perceived bar riers preventing both alcohol moderation and quitting;smoking, Lack of family support, stress and concerns about weight gain, particularly i n women. were perceived barriers to smoking cessation. Type A behaviou r was associated with smoking and ''unsafe'' drinking in both men and women, generally unhealthy dietary choices in young women but with gre ater physical activity in young men. Depressive affect was significant ly higher in female smokers and ''unsafe'' drinkers and tended to have an inverse relationship with physical activity in men and women. Depr essive affect was inversely related to self-efficacy in both men and w omen for each of the health behaviours examined. Health promotion in y oung adults should therefore attempt to increase self-efficacy and add ress perceived barriers to change, taking into account gender-related differences in attitudes and the influence of depression and Type A ch aracteristics on health-related behaviours. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.