Abstract
The majority of chronic diseases are preventable by lifestyle behaviors. This study explored physical activity (PA), dietary habits (DH), and weight status related to motivators and barriers of healthy lifestyle choices in a cohort of 106 college students. PA was significantly correlated to motivating factors (p < .01). Poor DH was significantly correlated with inhibiting factors (p < .05). Nurse practitioners are prepared through educational training to provide counseling in the context of motivators and barriers to improve PA and DH, and to be at the forefront of policy implementation to prevent chronic diseases and decrease the cost of healthcare.
•The majority of college students do not practice recommended guidelines for physical activity for 30 minutes ≥ 5 days per week (86.6%), do not eat fruit daily (84%), and do not eat vegetable daily (83%).•Physical activity was significantly correlated with motivating factors such as feeling energetic (P < .05) and observing illnesses in others as a result of unhealthy habits (P < .01).•Eating unhealthy snacks were significantly correlated with inhibiting factors such as lack of motivation, health problems, and lack of knowledge (P < .05).
