Influencing Factors on Health-Promoting Lifestyle and Health Related Quality of Life among Adolescents: A Path Analysis Based on the Health Promotion Model

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the direct and/or indirect effects of individual characteristics and experiences, behavior-specific cognitions and affects, and interpersonal influences on health promotion behavior and health-related quality of life using the health promotion model. The study was performed with a cross-sectional design, and 346 students aged between 10 and 16 years voluntarily participated. The study instruments included Korean versions of the Self-Esteem Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales,the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Adolescent Lifestyle Questionnaire, and the Pediatrics Quality of Life Inventory TM 4.0. Data were analyzed using correlations and path analysis. The study identified significant direct effects of predictor variables (selfesteem, behavioral problems, and social support) on health promotion behavior. The study also found that emotional problems, behavioral problems, and health promotion behavior had significant direct effects on health-related quality of life (p<.05). By elucidating causal pathways, nurses could identify critical points for intervention that could enable the development of effective school health programs.