Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the healthy lifestyle behaviors of students at the Van Century University Faculty of Medicine, and at a Vocational High School. The effects of socio-demographic characteristics on these behaviors were investigated. Method: The population of the study was comprised of 1842 students who were studying at the Van Century University Faculty of Medicine and the Van Vocational High School. Stratified and systematic samples were selected and 470 students completed the study. The questionnaires used for the data collection were completed under supervision and collected information about socio-demographic characteristics and certain determinants of health. Furthermore, the Health Promotion Lifestyles Profiles-II (HPLP-II) scale was applied. Results: 313 of the respondents (66.6%) were studying at the Vocational School and 157 of the students (33.4%) were studying at the Faculty of Medicine. 199 of the participants were female (42.6%) while 268 (57.4%) were male. The median value of students' ages was 22 (minimum-maximum = 17-60). The average score on the healthy lifestyle behaviors scale obtained by the students was 123.2±20.6. There was no statistically significant difference between schools in terms of total healthy lifestyle behavior scores (p=0.05). Conclusions: The average total score of students' healthy lifestyle behaviors were found to be of a moderate level. In order to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors, awareness and awareness-raising activities should be implemented.

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