Health behaviors and protective factors of international students in the university of northern philippines

Abstract

This study determined the health behaviors and protective factors of international students at the University of Northern Philippines during the Academic Year 2016 - 2017. Specifically, their health behaviors along with alcohol use, dietary behavior, drug use, hygiene, mental health, physical activity, protective factors, sexual behaviours, tobacco use, violence, and unintentional injury. Utilizing a descriptive, cross-sectional method of research, the respondents of this study were the 147 international students enrolled during the Second Semester of Academic Year 2016 – 2017 at the University who were selected purposively. The study used the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with United Nations' UNICEF, UNESCO, and UNAIDS; and with technical assistance from Center for Disease Control. The 10 core questionnaire modules of the questionnaire covered the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children and adults worldwide.Based on the findings, the study concluded that the health behaviors of the international students in the University are admirable such that most of the surveyed respondents did not eat in the fast food chains and has never been engaged to alcohol-use, drug-use, and tobaccouse recently. They have not engaged in any sexual activity. They have not incurred any violence, and unintentional injury and have not attempted suicide even though they have suicide ideation. They perform hygienic practices such as frequent hand washing and are physically active through walking from their home to school regularly. Their satisfying school attendance and solid support system speak of their good health status.