Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify predictors on health promoting behaviors of university students.
METHODS
The participants were 310 students by convenience sampling in G city. The data were collected through a questionnaire given to the students between September 10 to November 6, 2006. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
The mean score for the level of health promoting behaviors and optimism was 2.60(+/-.31) and 2.70(+/-.55) respectively. The most frequently used coping skill was the pursuit of social support. There were positive correlations between health promoting behaviors and optimism, between health promoting behaviors and active coping skill, and between health promoting behaviors and passive coping skill. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, the most powerful predictor of health promoting behaviors was active coping skill.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that coping skills with optimism can be considered when developing a health promotion program for university students.

• Keywords: Health behavior; Coping skills; Personality; Students