DEMOGRAPHIC-FACTORS - INTERACTION EFFECTS ON HEALTH-PROMOTING BEHAVIOR AND HEALTH-RELATED FACTORS

The purpose of this study was to examine the main and interaction effe cts of race, gender, and education on health-promoting behaviors, prob lem solving appraisal, health value, and health definition. Using a co nvenience sample of 331 employees, a series of three-way ANOVAs were p erformed. Only gender exerted main effects on health-promoting behavio rs, including exercise, relaxation, and health promotion. No interacti on effects were presented. Neither main nor interaction effects were f ound for approaching problems and having confidence in solving problem s. However, interaction effects indicated that better educated women a nd better educated black employees perceived less personal control whe n solving problems. Women valued health more than men, even though the re were no gender, race or education differences in the sample's defin ition of health. Community health nurses and workplace wellness planne rs are challenged to design programs sensitive to gender differences r egarding health behaviors and the valuing of health. Developing traini ng programs to enhance personal control over problem situations is als o indicated.