QUALITATIVE STUDY OF HEALTH-CONSCIOUS BEHAVIOR AMONG FIRST-YEAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Health is a fundamental value that many people only begin to truly appreciate once it has been compromised or lost. Health-conscious behavior, which aims to preserve and restore health, is a dynamically evolving concept that holds particular significance for future generations. This behavior not only influences individual well-being, but also has a broader impact on society, as it directly affects learning and work performance, thus playing a crucial role from both economic and social perspectives. According to the academic literature, first-year university students frequently experience psychological difficulties and tend to lead sedentary lifestyles. The aim of the present study is to examine the extent to which first-year students enrolled in sport-related and non-sport-related academic programs are aware of the dimensions of health-conscious behavior, and how they incorporate these into their daily lives. To this end, focus group interviews were conducted with 134 students (104 from non-sport-related programs and 30 from sport-related programs), and the data were analyzed using MAXQDA content analysis software. The results indicate that while students are aware of the core dimensions of health-conscious behavior, its integration into their lifestyles is only partially realized. A significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the sources of stress experienced at the beginning of the semester: students in sport-related programs primarily cited difficulties in balancing sports and academic responsibilities, whereas students in non-sport-related programs reported challenges related to adapting to their new life circumstances. To mitigate or eliminate the causes of these stressors, the implementation of appropriate practical measures is recommended.