Health-promoting behaviors, physical activity, and health control perceptions among physical education and social science students in 2016 and 2026: implications for public health

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