A Structural Equation Modeling on Health Risk Behavior in Female University Students

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of this study were to construct a hypothetical structural model which explains the health risk behavior in female university students and to test the fitness with collected data. Methods: The participants were 210 female university students in B city. Data were collected from March 1 to April 20, 2014 using self-reported questionnaires and were analyzed using PASW 18.0 and AMOS 16.0 programs. Results: The overall fitness indices of hypothetical model were good (χ2=146, p<.001), χ2/df=1.84, SRMR=.08, GFI=.92, RMSEA=.06, NFI=.90, IFI=.92, CFI=.91). Out of 7 paths, 3 were statistically significant. Self efficacy related health had the greatest impact on health risk behavior in the female university students in this model. also Health risk behavior in female university students was directly affected by internal locus of control. This model explained 31% of the variance in health risk behavior in female university students. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that nursing interventions to reduce health risk behavior in female university students should address their Self efficacy related health, internal locus of control.