Physical Activity Levels and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of High School Students

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity levels and healthy lifestyle behaviors of high school students. 
 Materials and Method The study data were collected by the use of a personal information form, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II, and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, height, weight, parents’ education levels, parents’ occupations, monthly household income level, and family type were all recorded and evaluated with the scale scores comparatively. 
 Results A total of 371 high school students were included in the study. The students’ mean scores from the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II were 113.29±20.86 points. Male gender, holding healthcare insurance, having health issues, being in the tenth grade of high school, having occupied mothers, and living with their families were found to be associated with higher scores at the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II. Besides, a statistically significant positive correlation between physical activity and healthy lifestyle behaviors was identified.
 Conclusion Adolescence is an essential period in which acquired behaviors build the future’s adult life. Based on the results of this study, enhanced physical activity is one of the positive factors to develop a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the authors conclude that promoting optimal physical activity among adolescents is cruel to improve both today’s and the future’s public health.