Differences in Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile Among Croatian Medical Students According to Gender and Year of Study

Abstract

SUMMARY -Increasing awareness of healthy lifestyle is important during the period of adolescence because habits are diffi cult to modify in adulthood. Th e aim of the study was to examine gender diff erences in health-promoting lifestyle among medical students and to analyze changes between the fi rst and second year of the study. Th is cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1186 students (36% male). Data were collected by self-administered anonymous questionnaire, the HealthPromoting Lifestyle Profi le [HPLP II] (Adult Version), and analyzed by descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests. Th e 941 HPLP II questionnaires were collected and analyzed (79% response rate). Both genders showed a medium level HPLP II total score (male M=2.68; IQR=2.42-2.92 vs. female M=2.65; IQR=2.46-2.90), without signifi cant gender diff erence. A signifi cantly higher score was observed in the subscales on health responsibility (p=0.027) and interpersonal relations (p<0.001) among female compared to male students, and a signifi cantly higher score in the subscales on physical activity (p<0.001) and stress management (p=0.025) among male compared to female students. Considering diff erences in the health-promoting lifestyle between study years, a signifi cantly higher score was recorded among second-year students in the HPLP II total score (p=0.004) and the subscales on physical activity (p=0.007), stress management (p=0.006) and spiritual growth (p=0.029). In conclusion, study results implied the need of organized health care and physical activity programs for university students based on specifi c requirements and needs.

Validation of a Four-Factor Measurement Model of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II: a Confirmatory Study with Kenyan Undergraduate Students

“…These findings corroborate with studies done in other parts of the world that showed most adults worldwide did not engage in PA at levels with the potential to yield benefits [7,8]. Regardless of the literature documenting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle as well as the potential negatives related to not adopting it, students have been found to typically follow unhealthy lifestyles, particularly in ignoring physical activity and responsibility for health [9,10].…”

“…Problematic items would be omitted only with adequate theoretical support. According to Hair et al, reporting various fit indices are necessary because there are no standard rules for assessment of model fit [10]. Based on the 6-factor structure and 52-item measurement model in the present study, the fit indices and its acceptable threshold value are as follows: the comparative fit index (CFI) and Tucker and Lewis index (TLI) with the desired value of more than 0.90; the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) with the desired value of less than 0.08; probability RMSEA with the desired value of more than 0.05; and the standardized root mean square (SRMR) with the desired value of less than 0.08 [40].…”

“…Question numbers of subscale related to Physical activity subscale included4,10,16,22,28,34,40,46 substances in HPLP II. This subscale consists of 8 items, points that can be taken at the lowest score is "8", the highest is "32".…”

Health-promoting lifestyle profile and associated factors among medical students in a Saudi university

“…Regardless of the literature documenting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle as well as the potential negatives related to not adopting it, students have been found to typically follow unhealthy lifestyles, particularly in ignoring physical activity and responsibility for health. 12–14 For these reasons, it is necessary to investigate this topic and educate medical students about health-promoting behaviors and practices during their educational years. 10 The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) questionnaire established by Walker et al 3 is one of the most commonly used tools for investigation in such settings.…”

Anthropometric characteristics and health self-assessment of female university students

“…The transition from high school to college education is a period of taking responsibility for oneself, one's health and social relationships. 4,8 During this period, young people often resort to different types of risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking, unprotected sex and poor eating habits. [9][10][11] Healthcare professionals care about the health of their patients, but they also play a role in health promotion in different parts of the population and especially in the student population.…”