Testing Theoretical Relationships: Factors Influencing Positive Health Practices (PHP) in Filipino College Students

Abstract

Objective: To examine variables influencing the positive health practices (PHP) of Filipino college students to gain a better understanding of health practices in this ethnic/racial group. Cross-sectional study tested theoretical relationships postulated among (a) PHP, (b) social support (SS), (c) optimism, and (d) acculturation. Participants: A sample of Filipino college students (N = 226) aged 18 to 21 was obtained in June 2009. Methods: Participants completed 4 instruments. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0. Results: Positive correlations were found between PHP and SS (r = .39, p = .01) and optimism and PHP (r = .36, p = .01). No correlation was found between PHP and acculturation. Optimism and SS predicted performance of PHP (R ² = .18, F[2, 221] = 24.927, p < .001). A difference was found in acculturation levels between participants who grew up in the United States (t[223] = 4.5, p < .001) and those who did not. Conclusions: Findings help health practitioners and educators to better understand the underlying factors that influence PHP in this population.

Keywords:

• acculturation
• Filipino students
• optimism
• positive health practices (PHP)