L PrateepchaikulP ChailungkaP Jittanoon2011-02-222011-02-222010-01-152010-01-15Songklanagarind Medical Journal; Vol. 26 No. 2 Mar-Apr 2008; 151-162http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/132180Objectives: To determine the state of health; describe health-promoting behaviors; examine the relationships between physical and mental state of health and also the health-promoting behaviors of staff in the Faculty of Nursing at Prince of Songkla University.Study design: Descriptive research Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 146 academic and supporting staff from the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University. Data were collected using scientific equipment that included body weight and height scale, mercury sphygnomanometer and physical fitness test equipment and a set of questionnaires that included general information, the Thai mental health indicator and health-promoting behavior questionnaire. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Thai mental health indicator and health-promoting behavior questionnaire was 0.79 and 0.80, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis.Results: There were 72 of the 146 subjects enrolled in physical health and physical fitness assessment. The results indicated that the majority of staff (70.80%) had a normal body mass index, 20.80% were overweight and 86.11% had normal blood pressure. About 43% and 42% had an overall physical performance at a good and moderate level, respectively. Forty seven percent had a mental health state at the same level as that of general public and 43.20% had a mental health state better than that of general public. The mean scores of overall health-promoting behaviors and almost all aspects of health-promoting behaviors of the staff (n = 146) were at a moderate level except the spiritual growth aspect, which was at a good level. No significant relationship between the physical health state (body mass index, blood pressure, physical performance) and healthpromoting behaviors was found. There was a positive correlation between the mental health state and health-promoting behaviors (r = 0.493, p  \<  0.01).Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest the need to further promote and support proper health promoting practices among staff of the Faculty of Nursing, especially physical activity and health responsibility practices. en-USFaculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkla, ThailandOriginal Article