Abstract:

Objective: This descriptive research was carried out to determine the demographic characteristics that effects healthy life style behavior of the students at Vocational School of Medical Services. Material-Method: The study context included 152 students in Vocational School of Medical Services. 128 of students could be reached at the time of enrolment. The healthy life style behavior scale (HLSB) was used to measure healthy life style behaviors, after the necessary permitions obtained. Questions about sociodemographic characteristics, and some factors thought to be influential on healthy life style behaviours are asked, and the questionnaire of HLSB Scale were applied. The Data were analysed using t- test, one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: The total scores HLSB scale of students (126.52±18.93), the subscales of health responsibility (22.82±5.43), the subscales of physical activity (10.72±3.33), the subscales of nutrition (14.85±3.39), the subscales of self actualization (39.18±6.25), the subscales of interpersonal relationships (20.70±3.75) and the subscales of stress management (18.26±3.43) were found. The students performed the best in self actualization and the worst in physical activity. It was seen that students' scores of HLSB scale change according to their programs, type of graduated high schools, having a chronic illness and daily sleep time (p<0.05). No statistical significant differentiation determined between any aspects of the students and the variables of genders, class level, level of health, having a job (p>0.05). Conclusions: As a result, healthy life style behavior of students was generally found to be at moderate level in this study. Students should be empowered to make healthy choices, and appropriate health education interventions should be developed. The issues about health protection and health promotion should take place much more in education curriculas.

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