Testing theoretical relationships: Factors Influencing positive health practices (PHP) in Filipino college students

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.