Effect of Parity on Women's Health Promotion Lifestyle at the First Year after Childbirth

Aim: Health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) not only prevents diseases but also improves the individual’s general health and well-being. Global burden of women’s health problem in the postpartum period is enormous while few studies have been undertaken to examine the role of parity difference in women's lifestyle. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of parity on HPL among women in the first year after childbirth. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in governmental health centers in Zanjan (Iran) in 2016 on 310 women. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select the participants. The questionnaire consisted of two parts; the first part assessed the socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, and the second part was the “Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II” (HPLP II). The data were analyzed using the SPSS software (ver. 22). Data analysis included the percentage, arithmetic average, and ANOVA tests. Findings: The results showed that 53.9% of the women had one parity, 36.1% had two parities, and 10% had three and above parities. The mean total HPLP II was 131.28±15.37. The highest and lowest mean scores were dedicated to spiritual growth (25.64±4.50) and physical activity (14.68±3.41) domains, respectively. The women who had two parities had a higher score in health responsibility (25.63±4.39) and physical activity (15.41±3.66) domains than the other groups. Conclusion: The health behavior of women was moderate. A statistically significant correlation was found between the number of parities and the health responsibility, nutrition, and physical activity, which are the domains of HPL.