Comparison of the health‐promoting lifestyles of nursing and non‐nursing students in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Undertaking a health-related course at university can facilitate an awareness of health-promoting lifestyles. We carried out a descriptive and cross-sectional study with 1616 university students in Istanbul, Turkey. Students from the nursing schools were compared to those from the schools of social sciences using a Turkish version of the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) II after a validation study. The nursing students had more positive health-promoting lifestyles than those of the non-nursing students. Furthermore, fourth-year nursing students had higher scores in most of the subscales of the HPLP II than did the students from the lower years; conversely, the fourth-year non-nursing students had lower scores. The sociodemographic variables, self-perceived health status, relations with family and friends, and self-perceived academic performance were associated with the HPLP. The implications are discussed for the curricula and on-campus facilities that focus on health promotion activities.

Factors Affecting Health-Promoting Behaviors of University Students in Jordan

“…Similar finding was reported in previous studies [14] [17]. The influence of the culture and belief system of Jordan society might help to maintain spiritual growth.…”

“…For instance, a study by Hong [30] found that older students had a significant high level of overall health promotion life style, particularly, in stress management, self actualization, health responsibility, and nutrition domains. In the same line, other studies found that only the mean score of the health responsibility domain increased parallel to the age of participants [15] [17]. More studies are needed to understand the effect of age on health promoting behaviors.…”

“…This result is consistent with the study of Wei et al [31] which found a significant correlation between Japanese university students' monthly income and interpersonal relations sub domain. Similarly, Can et al [17] showed a statistical significant difference between nursing students' total HPLP and averages of all subscales and their level of income. In addition, a Turkish study by Hacıhasanoğlu et al [15] revealed that the mean total score and sub scores increased as the level of income increase.…”

Healthy Life-Style Promoting Behaviour in Turkish Women Aged 18-64

“…Although many studies have been published regarding health promoting behaviours in certain groups, such as health personnel (Beser et al, 2007) and university students (Can et al, 2008), published studies investigating healthy life-style behaviours in women (Altay, 2006) have been limited. Today's health perception comprises the attainment of behaviours promoting and protecting the health of the individual, family and society in general and accepting the reality of the importance of a healthy life-style promotion in all individuals and in women in special (Al Ma'aitah et al, 1999).…”

Health-promoting Lifestyle Behaviour for Cancer Prevention: a Survey of Turkish University Students

“…In addition to these developmental changes and newfound responsibilities, university students have greater autonomy and control over their lifestyle than adolescents. This transition period is the time to establish healthy lifestyle behaviours (Ulla Díez and Pérez-Fortis, 2009;Tuğut and Bekar, 2008;Can, Ozdilli et al, 2008). Therefore, it is essential to understand and evaluate health-promoting behaviours among adolescents in order to promote their healthy growth.…”