Resilience, Social Support, and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors Among Adolescents in Post-Conflict Communities: A Cross-Sectional Study

Adolescents living in post-conflict communities face social, economic, and psychological challenges that may influence their health behaviors and overall well-being. However, evidence regarding health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among adolescents in these settings remains limited. This study aimed to assess health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among adolescents living in post-conflict communities and identify associated factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 adolescents aged 13–19 years attending secondary schools in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Data were collected using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Participants demonstrated moderate levels of health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, with a mean HPLP-II score of 132.4 ± 21.6. Interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth had the highest scores, whereas physical activity had the lowest. Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors were positively correlated with resilience (r = .52, p < .001) and perceived social support (r = .61, p < .001). Multiple linear regression showed that perceived social support, resilience, family income, and female gender were significant predictors of health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, collectively explaining 48% of the variance. These findings highlight perceived social support and resilience as important factors associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors among adolescents living in post-conflict communities. Interventions aimed at strengthening social support and resilience while addressing socioeconomic barriers may contribute to improving health-promoting behaviors and overall well-being among adolescents in post-conflict settings.