Health-promoting behaviors among American and Lebanese nursing students

Abstract

Background Although there are well-known benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, few nursing students practice health-promoting behaviors (HPBs).

Aims The aim of this study was to compare the HPBs of undergraduate nursing students from two different cultures—the United States of America (U.S.), a high-income country, and Lebanon, a low-income country.

Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study included 320 undergraduate nursing students, of which 200 were from the U.S. and 120 were from Lebanon.

Results The results indicated significant differences between the groups in their HPBs, as measured by the total Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II score of t(318) = 6.66, p = .001, and its subscales of health responsibility, t(318) = 5.06, p = .001; physical activity, t(318) = 6.29, p = .001; interpersonal relations, t(318) = 4.24, p = .001; nutrition, t(318) = 3.54, p = .001; spiritual growth, t (318) = 3.05, p = .002; and stress management, t(318) = 3, p = .003.

Linking Evidence to Action The significant differences in HPBs of nursing students from two different countries indicated that cultural factors may influence students’ healthy lifestyle. Therefore, nursing education should consider exploring strategies that promote student participation in health-promoting activities.