FACTORS INFLUENCING THE HEALTH BEHAVIORS OF DIVORCED WOMEN WITH CHILDREN

The purposes of this study were to assess the health behaviors of wome n who are divorced single parents and to identify facilitators and det errents to healthy behaviors. Nurses are constantly challenged to help women develop healthier lifestyles. The stressors of divorce complica te that challenge. Data were collected from 148 women with children by questionnaire and telephone interview one year after divorce. The res ults indicated that the women practiced healthy lifestyles with almost half of the women reporting their health behaviors had increased sinc e their divorce. Education was associated significantly and positively with the total health behavior score. Categories of perceived health behavior facilitators and deterrents were the amount of stress, contro l over time, feelings of physical and mental well-being, personal appe arance, material resources, and social support.