Factors Influencing Health Risk Behavior in High School Students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing health risk behavior in high school students. Methods: The subjects were 512 students from 4 high schools in 3 cities. The questionnaire measured the level of self-esteem, self-efficacy, internal locus of control and health risk behaviors. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: There were significant differences in the health risk behaviors according to sex, a classification of the school, whether or not smoking of mother, whether or not live alone, level of harmonious family, level of satisfying school-life and three variables of them were significant differences by Scheffe test. There was a significant positive correlation between sub-dimension of health risk behaviors and the self-efficacy, self-esteem, internal locus of control were negative correlation with health risk behaviors. The most important influential factor of the health risk behaviors was the self-efficacy. Conclusion: From the studies reviewed, improving the self-efficacy, self-esteem, internal locus of control and the general social environment of students will probably be the most effective strategies for primary prevention of health risk behaviors.