Relationship Between Health Self-Efficacy and Healthy Lifestyle among Young Adults in Malaysia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between health self-efficacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours among young adults in Malaysia. It specifically sought to explore how individuals’ confidence in managing their health influences their engagement in behaviours such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and other health-promoting practices. By investigating this association, the study aims to provide insights that can inform the development of targeted interventions and strategies to enhance self-efficacy and support the adoption of sustainable healthy lifestyles in this population.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data were collected from 166 young adults in Perak, Malaysia using purposive sampling. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic items, the Health-Specific Self-Efficacy Scale (HSSES), and the Healthy Lifestyle Screening Tool (HLST). Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were conducted.
Results: Descriptive analyses showed that male participants and those with tertiary education reported higher mean scores for health self-efficacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours compared to female participants and those with secondary education; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate and statistically significant positive association between health self-efficacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours (r (164) = 0.568, p < .001). No significant differences were observed in health self-efficacy or healthy lifestyle behaviours based on gender or level of education.
Conclusion: Health self-efficacy was significantly associated with healthy lifestyle behaviours among Malaysian young adults. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating self-efficacy enhancing strategies in health promotion interventions targeting young adults. This study contributes to the limited empirical evidence in the Malaysian context and provides support for developing evidence-based approaches to encourage healthier lifestyle practices among young adults.