This study examined the health-promoting lifestyles and cardio-metabolic risks among international students in Korea. This descriptive, cross-sectional study design enrolled a convenience sample of 118 international students at a university in Korea. Collected data included items from the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (II) scale and cardiovascular risk factors. The participants had a moderately health-promoting lifestyle (2.5 of 4). Men engaged in more physical activity than did women (. p=. .002). The most prevalent risk factor was elevated blood lipid profiles (26.3%), followed by overweight/obesity (25.4%), elevated blood pressure (17.8%), and elevated fasting glucose levels (5.1%). More than half of the participants (54.2%) had one or more cardiac risk factors, and these participants also scored lower in health-promoting lifestyle factors than other students (. p=. .034). Regular health check-ups are needed to identify the cardio-metabolic risks of international students. A university-based programme aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles could help prevent cardio-metabolic risks among international students. © 2014 Australian College of Nursing Ltd..

Lifestyle Risk factor international student Cardiovascular

hyperglycemia South Korea lifestyle hypercholesterolemia Life Style Republic of Korea health promotion Cardiovascular Diseases human Overweight Asian continental ancestry group statistics and numerical data hypertension international cooperation Health Surveys Cross-Sectional Studies student Young Adult cross-sectional study Humans Adolescent male female Universities university risk factor Risk Factors questionnaire cultural factor Questionnaires adult International Educational Exchange Cultural Characteristics Students Metabolic Diseases attitude to health health survey