Health-promoting lifestyle behaviours in pregnant women in Turkey

This study aims to describe the health-promoting lifestyle behaviours of pregnant women. The study was carried out with pregnant women who applied to the polyclinics in different maternity and children hospitals located in Adana, Turkey, between 1 March and 30 May 2009. The data collection tools used in the study were (i) a questionnaire that was used to collect sociodemographic data from the participants and (ii) the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II). The results obtained from the study showed that total HPLP II scores were moderate; the highest scores were obtained on the spiritual growth dimension and the lowest scores on the physical activity dimension. Pregnant women with older age, those with a higher educational level, those with a better socioeconomic status and those living in a nuclear family were found to be more likely to have health-promoting lifestyles. Health promotion and healthy lifestyle need to be an integral part of health services provided for pregnant women. Midwives and nurses have prominent roles in encouraging pregnant women to engage in health-promoting behaviours.