Abstract

Introduction: This review article attempted to synthesize research studies using healthy behaviors in the Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM) in nursing students. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the health promoting lifestyles of nursing students.

Materials and Methods: The methodology includes a systematic review of 14 studies from across the world, which meets predetermined criteria, to draw implications for health promotion. All studies published in the years 1998 -2012 in Medline, Elsevier, Nursing consult, Proquest and Google databases using computers keywords, were collected, evaluated and compared. All available studies based on the healthy behaviors in the HPM were recruited, coded, and analyzed. The researchers carefully rated the quality of each study and numerous variables were investigated. Health promoting life style and 6 variables in health promoting life style including interpersonal relationship, health responsibility, spiritual growth, stress management, nutrition and physical activity were also assessed.

Findings: 1130 quantitative studies were found in relation to health promotion and of these, 14 were selected for full-text articles. This systematic review showed that physical activity was at the lowest level among dimensions of health promoting behavior.

Conclusion: This article provides evidence for future research direction, which can be focused on developing health promotion programs based on the above-mentioned variables.