Determination of the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and health locus of control in nursing students

Abstract

Aims: The first steps in developing healthy lifestyle behaviors are taken in the community and family, and then they develop and change with education. The attribution of the health-related situations experienced by individuals is related to the health locus of control. Health professionals have important roles and responsibilities in the development and maintenance of these behaviors. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and health locus of control in nursing students. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 450 students at XX Faculty between 01.03.2023 and 01.06.2023. Information about the participants was collected using the Sociodemographic Data Form, Multidimensional Health Control Scale Form A (MHLC) and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale (HLBS). Results: According to the results of the study, the mean age of the students was 21.51±1.47 years. 88.2% of the students were female and 36.7% were 2nd graders. Regression analysis to determine the cause and effect relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and multidimensional health locus of control was found significant (F=30.985; p=0.00<0.05). Healthy lifestyle behaviors are explained by internal control, external control and chance control (R2=0.172). Internal control and external control increase healthy lifestyle behaviors (ß=0.959, ß=1.144). Change control had no effect on healthy lifestyle behaviors. Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that the level of multidimensional health locus of control increased as the steps towards the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors increased. Nursing students' acquisition of healthy lifestyle behaviors and increase in health locus of control levels will enable them to provide these behaviors to the individuals they care for in their professional lives.