Factors Influencing Health Promoting Behaviors in College Students in Korea

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to assess health promoting behaviors and identify the influencing factors of health promoting behaviors of college students in Korea. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Our cross sectional study was conducted in September 2015. Two hundred and eighty-nine students were selected and evaluated. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to estimate the effects of influencing factors on health promoting behaviors. Findings: Mean score of health promoting behaviors was 3.28(±0.36) on 5-point scale and mean score of professional healthcare was the lowest among sub-categories of healthpromoting behaviors. Factors influencing health promoting behaviors of college students were perceived health status (β=.196, p<.001), self-esteem (β=.204, p<.001), self-efficacy (β=.457, p<.001), and positive body image (β=.200, p<.001). Improvements/Applications: In order to increase health promoting behaviors of college students, health education or health skill training for self-efficacy and programs for positive body image and self-esteem are required.