Factores asociados a estilos de vida saludable en Población Adolescente

Health-promoting behaviors are important to prevent diseasesand prolong life in the population. People develop these behaviors throughoutlife. However, better benefits for health are obtained with an early development.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of health-promoting behaviors among earlyadolescents and its associated factors.
Material and Methods: Cross-sectionalsurvey performed in 1,465 students of high, medium and low socio-economicstatus, attending fifth to eighth grades of schools located in a small Chilean city.Participants answered a questionnaire that gathered information about frequen-cy of health-promoting behaviors such as health responsibility and nutrition, physical exercise and stress management, life appreciation, social support anddifferent personal, school and familial factors.
Results: A higher frequency ofhealth-promoting behaviors was associated with better academic achievement,better school commitment, and higher perception of school membership. It alsowas associated with a better perception of health status and a higher conformitywith physical appearance.
Conclusions: Health promoting behaviors in thesechildren are related to a better academic achievement and a higher integrationwith school environment.