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 (R2= .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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]