Health-Promoting Behavior and Positive Mental Health of Filipino Nurses in Michigan

Written by Daniella Diaz & Meriam Caboral-Stevens

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2021.11.01.1004

Abstract 

Background: Filipino nurses represent the largest segment of the immigrant nursing workforce in the U.S. Studies showed that Filipinos have unhealthy eating habits, thus increasing their health risks, and reducing life expectancy. However, to date, there is limited data available regarding health-promotion and self-care practices among nurses, and even fewer on mental health.

Objective: To examine health-promoting behavior among Filipino nurses and assess the level of positive mental health of Filipino nurses working in Michigan guided by the mid-range theory of health promotion.

Methods: This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) and the Positive Mental Health (PMH) survey were used to assess health-promoting behaviors and the level of positive mental health in a sample of Filipino nurses working in Michigan. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25.

Results: Forty-three participants started the survey; 27 had complete data; mean age of the participants was 49.11 (SD = 15.8) years old. The mean total HPLP II score was 144.30 (SD = 22.9) out of 208 maximum score, while the mean total PMH score was 4.99 (SD = 0.75) out of maximum score of 6. Spiritual growth was the highest score (M = 27.22, SD = 5.1); while physical activity was the lowest score (M = 19.58, SD = 6.9) in the HPLP II subscales; whereas emotional support was the highest score (M = 5.19, SD = 0.86) in the PMH subscale.

Conclusion: Findings are significant to consider when developing strategies to increase engagement in health promotion and positive mental health activities among Filipino nurses.

Keywords: health-promoting behavior, positive mental health, Filipino nurses, self-care