Predicting the Health of Sixth-Grade Students in Tehran Based on Family-Centered Healthy Behaviors

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the dimensions of healthy family-oriented behaviors and predict the health of sixth-grade elementary school students in Tehran based on healthy family-oriented behaviors. This research is based on a mixed approach with a qualitative-quantitative sequential design. In the qualitative part, the qualitative content analysis method was used, and in the quantitative part, the correlation method was used. The statistical population in the qualitative part included health and family experts who were selected as a statistical sample by considering the saturation rule of 10 people. In the quantitative part, the statistical population included sixth-grade elementary school students in Tehran, who were selected as a statistical sample using the Cochran formula, 310 students were selected as a statistical sample using a random stratified sampling method. The research tool to identify healthy family-oriented behaviors was an interview, and in the quantitative part, the researcher-made questionnaire of healthy family-oriented behaviors, the Besharat Mental Health Scale (2010), and the Keyes Social Health Questionnaire (2004). The information obtained in the qualitative part was analyzed by inductive qualitative content analysis, and in the quantitative part, using regression and two-group t-tests and SPSS software. According to the results of content analysis, 62 subcategories (indices), 26 subcategories (components) and 8 main categories were identified as dimensions of healthy family-centered behaviors, which are: sense of contentment, cooperation and participation, expression of affection, awareness of each other, having a service plan, knowledge-building, dynamism and effort, joy and fun. According to the results, the model of healthy family-centered behaviors has the necessary validity. The results of quantitative findings showed that fun and joy and expression of affection can positively and significantly predict the mental health of students. Fun and joy are positively and significantly predict the social health of students. Having fun and joy and expression of affection are positive predictors of the mental health of female students. Having fun and joy positively and significantly predict the social health of female and male students. Having fun and joy and effort are positively and significantly predict the mental health of male students. The prediction of health of male and female students is different based on healthy family-oriented behaviors. Joy and recreation, cooperation and participation are able to predict the health of students and explain a total of 36% of the variance in health.