Journal of Preventive Medicine

Introduction: Health promoting behaviors is one of the best ways that people can protect and maintain their health. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between health locus of control with health promoting behaviors among high school students in Bandar Abbas, Iran.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. To collect data, from A of Wallston questionnaire and Adolescent Health Promotion Scale were used. Out of 378 questionnaire. 342 were completed (Response rate=90.5%). Data were analyzed by SPSS 19 Software. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analisis were used to analyze and predict health promoting behaviors throught health locus of control dimensions.

Results: The mean age of participants was 16.1 (SD=1.1) and 44.7% of them were male. Based on regression analysis, 12% of health promoting behaviors changes were explained by health locus of control dimensions (R² = 12%, F= 15.5, P<0.001). Internal locus of control (B=0.25, P<0.001) and powerful others (B=0.16, P<0.001) significantly predict health promoting behaviors.

Conclusion: For increasing the health promoting behaviors in students, improvement of internal locus of control and advising to follow the instructions of physicians and health experts is recommended.