Interaction of physical activity, diet, health locus of control and quality of life among Finnish university students

Abstract

Muhammad Tayyab Minhas, 2013. Interaction of Physical Activity, Diet, Health Locus of Control and Quality of Life among Finnish University Students. Master’s Thesis in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Department of Sport Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

Literature shows that particular lifestyle modifiable behaviours, like physical activity, diet, are risk factors for the development of many diseases in adulthood. These behaviours are affected by personal psychological characteristics, like health locus of control and at the same time they affect peoples’ perceived quality of life. Transition to university is an important phase in a student’s life. Students’ environment and social network change during this phase of life and they get more independence from their parents. Moreover, they face more stress of their studies during this period. All these factors have strong influence on their health behaviours. Ultimately, these health behaviours transformed into their life patterns. Purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of physical activity, diet and health locus of control variables on Finnish university students’ quality of life. Data were collected from the students of University of Jyvaskyla (N=271, male=105, female=166). In addition to demographics, multidimensional health locus of control, quality of life, self-reported physical activity and dietary habits questionnaires were used to collect data. Results of ANOVA revealed that the mean score of male students performing vigorous activity was higher (M = 527.92, SD = 1490.5) than female students (M = 231.01, SD = 219.33) and female students consumed fruits and vegetables more than male students. Regression analyses showed that consumption of fruits and vegetables and chance locus of control contributed to the students’ quality of life and mental health scores. Moreover, physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables and chance locus of control significantly contributed to students’ physical health scores. Longitudinal studies are required to explore the relationship between healthy and unhealthy behaviours. Intervention studies are also suggested to improve health-related behaviours and quality of life among Finnish university students.