Resumen

GUERRERO ALCEDO, Jesús Manuel et al. Satisfaction with life and health behaviors in incoming college students. Vive Rev. Salud [online]. 2022, vol.5, n.14, pp.432-443.  Epub 22-Jun-2022. ISSN 2664-3243.  https://doi.org/10.33996/revistavive.v5i14.158e.

Currently, there are few studies that relate satisfaction with life and healthy behaviors in students starting their university studies, even though it is known that the transition to the university stage can cause various changes with important repercussions on the health of students. Objective. To determine the relationship between life satisfaction and health behaviors in first semester students at a Venezuelan public university. Method. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study, using a sample of 636 students (65% women and 35% men) between 15 and 27 years of age, selected under a non-probabilistic intentional sampling. Results. The students are characterized by being satisfied with their lives and present moderate levels of healthy behaviors in general. Also, life satisfaction differs by gender and socioeconomic status, while some health behaviors differ by gender, socioeconomic status, and age. On the other hand, life satisfaction is significantly related to health behaviors at the general level and in the dimension’s preventive behaviors, sleep, physical activity, drug use control and medical check-up. Conclusion. Life satisfaction turns out to be a protective variable that promotes healthy behaviors in university students, especially those who are just starting their studies, and it is important to consider it in future interventions and health promotion programs.

Palabras clave : Health behaviors; Personal satisfaction; Self-care; Students; Health promotion.

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