Comparison of health-promoting behavior between Taiwanese and American adolescents: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to compare the health promotion practices of Taiwanese (n = 265) and American (n = 285) adolescents, using the revised Adolescent Health Promoting scale. Methods: A comparative and descriptive design was used. Categorical data analysis was applied to explore the association of culture differences and adolescent health-promoting behaviors. Results: Findings indicated significant differences between Taiwanese and American adolescents in some demographic characteristics: American participants had higher self-perceived health status (p < 0.001), parental educational level (p < 0.001), overweight percentage (p < 0.001), and rate of living only with the mother (p < 0.001) than the Taiwanese participants. Taiwanese adolescents had a higher frequency of health-promoting behavior than Americans in terms of healthy diet behavior, stress management, health responsibility, and social support (p < 0.01), but less frequently engaged in exercise and life appreciation (p < 0.001). Because many of the demographic characteristics between the two countries, such as the parent's educational level, differ significantly, a comparison can be difficult. However, healthy behavior is an important measure of demand for preventive health services. Conclusions: The findings should sound an alarm for all public health professionals to take heed of what is happening to our youth based on culture differences. School and family health promotion counseling should be encouraged for adolescents to improve their lifestyle habits. Based on the findings, school health promotion programs should focus on factors for which there may be significant local ethnic differences. For the locales in this study, Taiwanese adolescents need encouragement to improve their exercise and life appreciation behaviors. For American adolescents, healthy diet, stress management, health responsibility, and social support should be emphasized. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.