Health Promotion Behaviors among Jordanians

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to survey the health-promoting lifestyle behaviors of Jordanian adults ( n = 950) and to identify any differences based on gender, age, marital status, income, education level, and health status. Exercise was consistently reported as the most important deficiency in all comparisons. The findings strongly support public health concerns about the growing prevalence (35%) of cardiovascular mortality. There is clear evidence of the cardiogenic Westernized lifestyle pattern of too little exercise, compounded by poor nutrition, and stress. The results strongly support the development of social marketing programs to increase economical and culturally acceptable forms of exercise among children, youths, and women in light of the projected population growth and the limited resources available for secondary and tertiary care.