Structural Equation Model of Health Promotion Behaviors in Late School-aged Children: Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting health promotion behaviors in late school-aged children by establishing a hypothetical model based on the planned behavior theory.METHODS: From July 19 to August 31, 2017, 460 questionnaires were distributed to fifth and sixth graders at three elementary schools in Korea, of which 318 were ultimately analyzed.RESULTS: All the fit indices were shown to be appropriate, indicating satisfactory fit. In the final model, six of the nine paths included in the hypothetical model were supported. Specifically, perceived behavioral control had the most influence on intention, followed by subjective norms, self-esteem, and health knowledge. Intentions were the most influential factor for health-promoting behaviors, followed by self-esteem and health knowledge. Subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and self-esteem explained 57.6% of intention to engage in health promotion behaviors and 61.7% of variation in health promotion behaviors was explained by health knowledge, self-esteem and intention.CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide support for a model that can be used to facilitate the practice of health promotion activities in children in the later years of school age.

Factors Affecting Health Promotion Behaviors of Upper Grade Elementary Students

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify factors affecting health promotion behaviors of upper grade elementary students. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out with 282 fifth or sixth elementary school students from two cities, Korea. Data were collected using self-administrative questionnaires containing items on health knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavior control and health promotion behavior, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Cronbach's α, Pearson Correlation Coefficients, and multiple regression analysis with the SPSS/WIN 21.0 program. RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations between health promotion behavior and health knowledge (r=.36, p<.001), attitudes (r=.41, p<.001), subjective norms (r=.36, p<.001), perceived behavior control (r=.49, p<.001). Perceived behavior control (β=.38, p<.001), health knowledge (β=.26, p<.001), perceived health status - good (β=.15, p=.005) were significant factors affecting health promotion behavior and explained 31%(F=43.29, p<.001) of variance. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that level of health promotion behavior is appropriate and perceived behavior control is the most important factor for health promotion behavior among the predictors. These findings also suggest that it is necessary to promote perceived behavior control and health knowledge in developing health promotion intervention programs for these students, as well as a need to strengthen education on sex behavior and health, accident prevention and first aid.

A Study on Coping Styles for Dysmenorrhea and Affecting Factors in Middle School Students

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate coping styles for dysmenorrhea and explore factors related with their coping styles according to different health loci of control in middle schoolers. METHODS: Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire for 572 students from three middle schools in Seoul from March 22 to April 2, 2010. The measurement included menstrual distress, coping method questionnaire and health locus of control. The data were analyzed by using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Middle school students used the active behavioral coping style more often than the avoidance style. There was a significant difference in means within each coping style including levels of stress, levels of health, and regular exercise. There were also significant correlations between each coping style and health locus of control. Regression analyses indicated that the health locus of control factor is the most powerful factor in each coping style. CONCLUSION: We observed that various coping methods are used for dysmenorrhea in middle school students. However, the active behavioral coping style is dominant in such a condition. Based on these results, we need to develop a health locus of control to improve coping styles for dysmenorrhea.