PURPOSE: This study examined factors related to positive health practices (PHP) among Asian adolescents. More specifically, it tested theoretical relationships postulated between PHP and social support, optimism, self-esteem, loneliness, and acculturation in this population. METHODS: A correlational research design was used and a convenience sample of 151 Asian adolescents was obtained. Participants completed a demographic sheet and six study instruments. RESULTS: Significant positive relationships were found between reported performance of PHP and social support, optimism, self-esteem, and acculturation. A significant inverse relationship was found between loneliness and PHP. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings extend existing knowledge and contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge base regarding health practices among Asian adolescents. Having this knowledge base provides practitioners with a better understanding of the factors related to health practices in Asian adolescents and assists them in developing culturally sensitive interventions aimed at promoting PHP in this population.
Acculturation ; Adolescent ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Health Behavior ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Knowledge Bases ; Loneliness ; Minority Health ; Research Design ; United States