Relationship of Knowledge on Healthy Lifestyle to Dietary Practices and Physical Activity as Moderated by Age

Abstract

Lifestyle – related diseases remained to be on the top ten killer according to the World Health
Organization. Literature indicates that diseases are highly related to lifestyle practices. On the
other hand, optimal health is a perceived goal of the greater population, however, putting it into
practice is a challenge. The study determined the following: 1) the level of knowledge on
healthy lifestyle, dietary practices and physical activity; 2) the relationship of knowledge on
healthy lifestyle to dietary practices and physical activities, and 3) the relationship of
knowledge to dietary practice and relationship of knowledge to physical activities according to
age group. A Descriptive-correlational design was employed. The data were gathered among
66 randomly selected university students staying in the dormitories; who are at least 18 years
of age, in which 24 are males and 42 are females, and 40 have earned at most a bachelor’s
degree and 26 have at least earned units in a master’s program. Utilizing adapted instruments,
respondents were scored on a 12-item instrument in knowledge where in each correct answer
correspond to one point, 27-item instrument on healthy lifestyle in terms of diet where in each
appropriate response correspond to one point, and 4-item instrument on healthy lifestyle in
terms of physical activities. In turn, the highest possible score of knowledge, diet, and physical
activities are 12, 27, and 4, respectively. Descriptive results revealed that respondents have
high knowledge on healthy lifestyle, have fair dietary practices and moderate practice of
physical activities. Furthermore, knowledge on healthy lifestyle is not significantly correlated
to dietary practices physical activities. However, a significant relationship was found when
respondents were grouped according to age; only those 24 years old and above were found to
have significant results. Hence, a recommendation to increase the accessibility and
reinforcement values of exercise and physical activity that will have immediate and long term
health benefits for college students.