Health Behaviors in Health Sciences University Students in Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive and cross-sectional study was to find out how healthy students' lifestyles were and 320 students (85.33%) formed the sample. Instruments used were: a questionnaire prepared by the researchers, the Health Promoting Lifestyles Profile (HPLP; Walker, Sechrist, & Pender, 1987), the Ways of Coping with Stressful Life Events List (WCCL; Aysan, 1988, 1994), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; Hisli, 1988; Sahin, 1989; Teğin, 1980). SPSS was used for data analysis. The students' HPLP mean total score was averaged with the highest subscale score for self-actualization and the lowest for exercise. Mean scores on the WCLL for the problem focused and seeks social support subscales were lower than blamed self, wishful thinking, and avoidance mean scores. The mean score gained on the Beck Depression Inventory was 14.31 (SD = 11.06). Results suggest that these students do not have enough information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and were not using effective methods for coping with stress; and 40% of them were depressed.