Physical Health from the Health Belief Model in Students of the University of Pamplona

Abstract

Objective: To describe the relationships between gender and faculty regarding aspects of physical health among a group of students at the University of Pamplona, based on the Health Belief Model, during the first academic period of 2013.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 836 students selected through simple random sampling. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate various aspects of physical health in university students based on the Health Belief Model. Multiple correspondence analysis was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Perceived severity: A high consumption of junk food was found. Women reported that their current physical health status was unsatisfactory, had vision problems, and perceived stress as a factor affecting their physical condition.

Perceived susceptibility: Unlike men, most women reported sometimes having difficulties maintaining their physical health. Most students remain seated between 1 and 10 hours per day. The frequency of daily meals ranged between two and five.

Perceived benefits: High frequency of positive responses regarding willingness to undergo surgery in case of illness, follow medical recommendations, walk regularly, and concern from close relatives about their physical health. However, a low consumption of fruits and vegetables was observed.

Perceived barriers: Half of the students considered it easier to find excuses not to exercise than to actually go out and do it.

Health motivation: Some women practiced basketball, swimming, and engaged in physical activity during their free time to reduce health problems. Most men engaged in activities to improve their health, practiced tennis and soccer, and participated in sports and other physical activities in their free time.

Cues to action: Women’s preferred physical activity was aerobics, while men preferred cycling, walking, and, to a lesser extent, aerobics. Unlike women, men tended to exercise with their family or friends. Most university students made an effort to consume foods that favor digestion and avoid foods high in fat, salt, or sugar.

Conclusions: Behaviors were identified that could be considered threats to students’ health, but also others that could offer opportunities to mitigate them. Strategies are needed within the university context to provide healthy opportunities and facilitate the adoption of health-promoting habits among students.