An examination of health consciousness and its' link to health behavior

We explore the topic of health consciousness or the extent to which people think about and reflect upon their health. Studies have shown health consciousness is correlated with health behavior, information seeking and health coping. It has also been suggested that health conscious individuals might be prime targets for health interventions, given their higher likelihood to act. Because we know little about the factors that contribute to health consciousness, we test several predictors of health consciousness including socioeconomic status, social support, perceived health status and perceived stress. We also assess the relationship between health consciousness and health behaviors (i.e. physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption). A national online survey was conducted assessing cancer-related beliefs and information seeking behaviors among Whites, African Americans and Hispanics. Of those not previously diagnosed with cancer (N=924), multiple regression analyses show health consciousness is associated with lower perceived health status (β=-.17, p<.01) and greater social support (β=.37, p<.01). African Americans (β=.36, p<.01) and Hispanics (β=.28, p<.01) also report greater health consciousness, compared to non-Hispanic Whites, as well as women (β=-.25, p<.01) and those more educated (β=.38, p<.01). Health consciousness was associated with greater physical activity (β=.85, p<.01) and higher fruit and vegetable intake (β=.23, p<.01). These results reinforce health consciousness as a pathway of influence on health behavior, even among those at risk of health disparities. Raising awareness of one's health status and perceptions of support, particularly for those with lower physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake, may be an effective strategy to increase health consciousness.