The influence of stress, social support and feminine values on the health behaviour of women in Hong Kong

The relationship between feminine values, cultural values, stress, social support and health behaviour among women in Hong Kong was examined in a sample of 306 women aged 18-61 years (mean = 34.77, SD = 10.43). Older age and weaker identification with Chinese cultural values were predictive of engagement with risky health behaviour, older age was also associated with lower perceived levels of stress. Further post-hoc analysis explored the mediating effect of Chinese values and stress on the relationship between feminine values and health behaviour, Chinese values and stress fully mediated the relationship between feminine values and engagement with risky health behaviour. Experiencing high levels of stress did not necessarily lead to engagement in health compromising behaviour. Incorporating cultural values into health promotion campaigns may be one approach to better engagement in health promotion behaviour.