The effectofmiddle and highschool students' perceived academic socialcompetencies on their health promotion behaviors

Objective:This study aimed to examine the effect of students' academic and social competence on their health promotion behaviors. Method:This descriptive correlational study samples consists of 1,302 students from 20 schools affiliated with the Gaziemir of National Education by stratified sampling, and from class by simple random sampling. Collected data by the questionnaire method were assessed using percentages, means, thet-test, F test Tukey's HSD. The relationships between the variables were examined using Pearson's correlation, multiple regression analyses. Findings:The middle school students had higher health promotion behavior scores than the high school students(p<.001). The students got lower scores on the exercise and nutrition subscales. There was a strong, positive correlation between health promotion behavior scores and competence scores of the students(p<.001) and positive correlation between competence levels and total scores on the adolescent health promotion behaviors(p<.001). In order of priority, the variables that affected the adolescents' health promotion behaviors were: social, academic competence,type of school, mother's education level, father's employment status(p<.001). These five independent variables accounted for the change in the students' health promotion behavior scores at a rate of 48%. Results:It is important for school nurses to improve the competence of adolescents.They should use a holistic approach and make interventions regarding these subjects. Key words:Adolescence,health promotion behaviors,school nursing, perceived academic social competence