A Lifestyle to Prevent or Combat the Metabolic Syndrome among Japanese Workers: Analyses Using the Health Belief Model and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control

Abstract

We investigated the predictors significantly associated with a lifestyle to prevent or combat the metabolic syndrome among Japanese workers. We conducted an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey and analyzed the resulting data using multiple linear regression analysis. The dependent variable was a lifestyle to prevent or combat the metabolic syndrome (7-point scale). Independent variables were: subjects’ basic attributes (age, gender, blue or white collar worker, with or without a family physician), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (7-point scale for each item), with or without the metabolic syndrome being pointed out or not by healthcare providers, and 4 items regarding the metabolic syndrome produced with reference to the Health Belief Model (7-point scale for each item). Those independent variables were all included in this model. The analysis shows the older workers, white-collar workers, and workers who had the metabolic syndrome pointed out by healthcare providers had appropriate lifestyles. Those with high scores in Powerful Others Health Locus of Control also had appropriate lifestyles. Those who realized that the metabolic syndrome was a life-threatening disease and who knew practical ways to prevent or combat the metabolic syndrome also had appropriate lifestyles. Our findings can be applied to various types of medical education regarding the metabolic syndrome.