Factors associated with health promoting behaviors among Chilean adolescentsBackground: Health-promoting behaviors are important to prevent diseases and prolong life in the population.People develop these behaviors throughout life.However, better benefits for health are obtained with an early development.Aim: To determine the prevalence of health-promoting behaviors among early adolescents and its associated factors.Material and Methods: Cross-sectional survey performed in 1,465 students of high, medium and low socio-economic status, attending fifth to eighth grades of schools located in a small Chilean city.Participants answered a questionnaire that gathered information about frequency of health-promoting behaviors such as health responsibility and nutrition, physical exercise and stress management, life appreciation, social support and different personal, school and familial factors.Results: A higher frequency of health-promoting behaviors was associated with better academic achievement, better school commitment, and higher perception of school membership.It also was associated with a better perception of health status and a higher conformity with physical appearance.Conclusions: Health promoting behaviors in these children are related to a better academic achievement and a higher integration with school environment.