RESEARCH PAPER
Health-promoting behaviors, physical activity, and health control perceptions among physical education and social science students in 2016 and 2026: implications for public health
1
Independent Researcher, Kraków, Poland
2
Department of Physical Education and Tourism, Eastern European University of Applied Sciences in Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
3
Department of Sports Medicine and Human Nutrition, University of Physical Culture in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
4
Center for Teaching Excellence, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
5
Department of Nursing, International Academy of Applied Sciences in Lomza, Łomża, Poland
6
Faculty of Health Sciences, John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska, Biała Podlaska, Poland
Submission date: 2026-01-21
Final revision date: 2026-02-02
Acceptance date: 2026-02-05
Online publication date: 2026-02-11
Corresponding author
Joanna Baj-Korpak
Faculty of Health Sciences, John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska, Sidorska 95/97, 21-500 Biała Podlaska, Poland
Faculty of Health Sciences, John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska, Sidorska 95/97, 21-500 Biała Podlaska, Poland
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
The university period critically influences the formation of health-related lifestyles. This study aimed to assess changes in health-promoting behaviors, physical activity, and the sense of health control among students over a decade (2016 vs. 2026), examining differences between physical education and social science students.
Material and methods:
The study involved two groups of students (N=752) surveyed in 2016 and 2026, employing purposeful sampling. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), and the Multidimensional Health Literacy Scale (MHLC). Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated.
Results:
By 2026, a significant increase in sedentary time was observed (from 212.6 to 318.6 min/day; p<0.001). Social science students exhibited a substantial decrease in physical activity (intense exercise: 720 to 240 MET-min/week; moderate: 708.9 to 300 MET-min/week). Both cohorts experienced increased BMI, more notably among social science students. A significant decrease in MHLC-I intensity, indicating a weakened sense of health control, was also noted.
Conclusions:
The observed increases in sedentary behavior and BMI, coupled with a decline in internal health locus of control by 2026, underscore the urgent need for targeted health promotion programs within academic environments.
The university period critically influences the formation of health-related lifestyles. This study aimed to assess changes in health-promoting behaviors, physical activity, and the sense of health control among students over a decade (2016 vs. 2026), examining differences between physical education and social science students.
Material and methods:
The study involved two groups of students (N=752) surveyed in 2016 and 2026, employing purposeful sampling. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), and the Multidimensional Health Literacy Scale (MHLC). Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated.
Results:
By 2026, a significant increase in sedentary time was observed (from 212.6 to 318.6 min/day; p<0.001). Social science students exhibited a substantial decrease in physical activity (intense exercise: 720 to 240 MET-min/week; moderate: 708.9 to 300 MET-min/week). Both cohorts experienced increased BMI, more notably among social science students. A significant decrease in MHLC-I intensity, indicating a weakened sense of health control, was also noted.
Conclusions:
The observed increases in sedentary behavior and BMI, coupled with a decline in internal health locus of control by 2026, underscore the urgent need for targeted health promotion programs within academic environments.
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