Compare health promoting behaviors and health locus of control in medical and non-medical students in 2017

Health promotion behaviors are one of the key determinants of health. By determining the type locus of control of people, the sense of efficiency increases in individuals. The aim of this study was to compare health promotion behaviors and health locus of control in two groups of medical and non-medical students. Material and method: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 500 medical students and non-medical students with quota-based sampling. The data collection tool was a Demographic Information, Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II and Walton Questionnaire.
Statistical analysis was performed by using Chi-square, independent t-test and Multiple linear regression in SPSS software version 18 at a significant level of 0.05. Results showed a significant difference in health responsibility P<0.001, physical activity P=0.007, nutrition P<0.001, spiritual growth P<0.001, interpersonal relations P=0.01, and stress management P<0.001 structures and also a significant difference in internal health locus of control P=0.03 and the external health locus of control P<0.001 in medical and non-medical students. The results show that health promotion behaviors in medical students are in a better position than non-medical students. In the future, studies are needed to consider the various factors that can be effective in determining the health locus of control.