Abstract
The study was conducted as a correlational descriptive study to determine the correlation between children’s own health control and their health perceptions and behaviours, as well as the associated factors. The sample of the study consisted of 963 children in the age group of 7-12 years studying at one primary schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. It was determined that age affected health control and health perception and behaviours in children. A positive significant correlation was found between the health locus of control and health perceptions and behaviours of the children. The children had positive health behaviours, and they had high internal control in their own health management. In accordance with these results, children’s own health management should be increased to increase their positive perceptions and behaviours.
Highlights
The health control levels of the 12-year-old and female children were found to be significantly higher than the other age groups and male (p < 0.05) (Table 1)
It was determined that the health perceptions and behaviours of 11-year-old children were significantly higher than the other age groups (p < 0.05) (Table 2)
This study found a positive correlation between the children’s health controls and their health perceptions and behaviours, while, as their internal health controls increased, their health perceptions and behaviours increased
Summary
While the society is aging rapidly, the young population is decreasing at a similar rate (World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). Children aged between 6 and 15 years who have sufficient cognitive and social skills to manage their own health behaviours begin to express themselves better with their peers at school and in their social environments. In this period, they can integrate what they learn into their lives (O’Rourke, 2005) and compel their environments to change in this regard (Breidablik, Meland, & Lydersen, 2008; O’Rourke, 2005). Today, children face many negative stimuli and have to cope with the health problems that occur as a result of negative health behaviours (Gobina, Zaborskis, Pudule, Kalnins, & Villerusa, 2008)
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