Purpose: This study was performed to identify the factors which affected exercise and the perceived exercise behaviors in women according to Q-methodology and to provide basic strategies for health promotion of middle-aged women in Korea.
Method: Q-methodology provides a scientific method for identifying perception structures that exist within certain individuals or groups. Thirty subjects in Seoul, Incheon, Chung-buk classified 35 selected Q-statements in to 9 points standard. The collected data was analyzed by using a QUANL pc program.
Result: Principal component analysis identified 3 types of exercise behavior of middle-aged women in Korea and named by the researcher. They are called persistent activity preference type, living-exercise preference type, exercise mania type. In persistent activity preference type, the middle-aged women thought activity was very helpful to achieving health and releasing stress or fatigue. Also, they recognized the relationship between physical health and psychological health. In living-exercise preference type, the middle-aged women preferred maintaining stability or nonactivity to intended exercise or activity for health. In exercise mania type, the middle-aged women thought there was no other way to keep her health than the exercise.
Conclusion: The findings of this study will provide the health care provider including nurse with useful information. It’s very important to offer appropriate exercise intervention to the middle-aged women of each type by taking into consideration the characteristics of individual types.
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