The Assessment of Lifestyle Status among High School and College Students in Luzon, Philippines

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle has been one of the central subjects of increasing research interest worldwide and acknowledged as part of the relevant factors of an individual’s health status. The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease. The purpose of this study is to assess lifestyle status among high school and college students and to explore which sociodemographic variables have influenced such existing healthy lifestyle behaviors. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among 230 students from the high school and college. The questionnaire included descriptive information and the Healthy Lifestyle Screening Tool (HLST) to assess lifestyle scores among students from the high school and college. Socio-demographic characteristics of students included were perceived family income, domestic status or people living with, school life satisfaction, happiness rate, and self-rated health status. RESULTS: The results of this study showed the significance of lifestyle status among high school and college students having total scores of 106.56 (SD = 28.11) and 100.9 (32.91) respectively. Sociodemographic and health-related characteristics had significance in perceived economic status, life satisfaction, health status, and happiness rate. Furthermore, healthy lifestyle subcomponents had significant differences in water, air, rest, exercise, nutrition, and trust. CONCLUSION: Healthy lifestyle status among students both in high school and college is low specifically in components such as sunlight, water, air, rest, exercise, nutrition, temperance as well as the general physical condition. Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors among students are needing emphasis and guidance through promotion and education. Health education programs and promotions in institutions need to be carried out and be well-implemented for students to achieve and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors.