Caltabiano, Marie L., and Caltabiano, Nerina J. (2002) Health beliefs and health behaviours practised by young adults. Australian Journal of Psychology, 54 (Supplement 1). p. 18.

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Abstract

This study examines the domain of health behaviours practiced by young adults, and health beliefs which may influence such behaviours. Multidimensional scaling was used to investigate interrelationships between 48 health behaviours practised by young adults (N=211). The health behaviours were best explained by a 2-dimensional solution which accounted for 88.5% of the variation. The first dimension was categorised by positive health behaviours at one end, such as the wearing of seat belts, and not driving when under the influence of drugs/alcohol, while the other end of the dimension included behaviours such as excessive alcohol consumption and infrequent medical checkups. The second dimension related to the practice of behaviours to minimize perceived risk susceptibility such as safe sex and minimizing sun exposure. Of the health belief model constructs, perceived benefits predicted the practice of safe sex and medical/dental checkups. Philosophical health orientation (general health value) predicted eating behaviour. Those persons who believed that drugs, cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake were dangerous to health, tended to not engage in these behaviours or to succumb to peer pressure to do so.

Item ID:	674
Item Type:	Article (Abstract)
ISSN:	1742-9536
Keywords:	health belief model, health beliefs, health behaviour, young adults
Date Deposited:	04 Oct 2006
FoR Codes:	17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology @ 0%
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