Health-promoting Lifestyle and its Predictors among Students of the University of Elbasan, Albania: A Cross-sectional Study

Background Health-promoting lifestyles play a crucial role in improving overall well-being and preventing non-communicable diseases. University students, during their transition to adulthood, often face challenges in maintaining healthy habits due to lifestyle changes, academic demands, and social pressure. Despite their importance, little is known about the adoption of health-promoting behaviors among Albanian university students. This study seeks to investigate the predictors that influence the health-related lifestyle among students at the University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani” in Albania. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,068 students at the University of Elbasan Aleksander Xhuvani, Albania, using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 27.0, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression analyses. Results The overall mean HPLP-II score was moderate at 129.18 ±19.617, with spiritual growth scoring the highest at 26.74 ± 4.736 and physical activity at the lowest at 16.86 ± 4.730. Physical activity (β =-0.33, p<0.001 and self-perception of full health (β =-0.15, p<0.001) were significant predictors of health-promoting behaviors. Non-health-related students scored higher in nutrition and spiritual growth than their health-related counterparts. Conclusion These findings reveal moderate adoption of health-promoting behaviors among Albanian students, emphasizing a need for university-targeted interventions. Programs focusing on enhancing physical activity and stress management, tailored to the student's socio-cultural context, are recommended to improve health outcomes.