Influence of Health Promotion Behaviors on College Life Adaptation in Maritime College Students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of health promotion behaviors on the college life adaptation in maritime college students. The study participants were 234 students from M Maritime University. Convenience sampling was employed. Data were collected from September 2 to 11, 2019, with self-report questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson‘s correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. A statistically significant difference in health promotion behaviors was observed based on gender, onboard training experience, major satisfaction, regular exercise, perceived health status, interest in own health, health education experience, and health education participation intention. Significant differences in college life adaptation were found based on gender, school year, onboard training experience, major satisfaction, academic achievement, regular exercise, perceived health status, and interest in own health. After controlling for general and health-related characteristics, academic achievement (high) and health promotion behaviors were identified as significant factors affecting college life adaptation. This model accounted for 55.3% of the variance in college life adaptation, with health promotion behaviors explaining 30.9% of the variance in college life adaptation. The findings suggest the need to develop and implement programs that encourage health promotion behaviors among maritime college students in order to enhance their successful adaptation to college life.