Abstract:

The present article analyzes the relationships between lifestyle factors and the health of university students in the context of persistent physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and the increase of digital learning. The aim of the study was to identify the level of health-related behavior among university students and, based on the results obtained, to implement supportive courses focused on the development of lifelong competencies in the area of a healthy lifestyle. The sample consisted of 317 students enrolled in physical education study programs and physiotherapy at the University of Prešov in Prešov. (119 men and 198 women). The mean age of male participants was 22.4 ± 0.5 years, with a mean body weight of 85.7 ± 0.3 kg and a mean height of 180.2 ± 0.3 cm. Female participants had a mean age of 24.6 ± 0.3 years, a mean body weight of 60.4 ± 0.5 kg, and a mean height of 165.3 ± 0.4 cm. A one-time measurement based on a descriptive research design was applied in the survey. Two standardized questionnaires were used for data collection, representing the main descriptive variables of the studied sample. Specifically, the Health-Related Behavior Scale (Dosedlová, Slováčková, Klimusová, 2013) was applied, which assesses factors such as healthy eating, mental hygiene, prevention, regular daily routines and physical activity, sun exposure, and substance use. For statistical processing, the Spearman correlation coefficient was used after verifying the normality of the observed variables with the Shapiro–Wilk test. The results showed statistically significant relationships between the factor of healthy eating and the factors of mental hygiene (R = 0.293; p = 0.001), prevention (R = 0.254; p < 0.001), and regular daily routines and physical activity. The mental hygiene factor was significantly correlated with all other factors. The prevention factor, in addition to healthy eating, was positively correlated with regular daily routines and physical activity (R = 0.202; p = 0.03). Other correlations were not statistically significant. The expected contribution of the research was the assessment of the level of health-related behavior among future teachers, the implementation of a supportive intervention course, and the development of their professional competencies, which may positively shape their own health-oriented behavior and, through transfer into pedagogical practice, positively influence pupils’ health behavior.

Acknowledgement:
With the support of the projects VEGA 1/0382/24, Prevalence and diversification of musculoskeletal disorders in university students in relation to their health-related behaviors.

Keywords:

Health, sports students, physiotherapy, nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being.