The Effects of Different Education Models on the Physical Activity and Health Profile of Healthcare Students in Turkish University

Abstract

Purpose: Hybrid and distance educational models can lead to different levels of physical activity among students. The aim of our study is to compare the effects of different education models on physical activity and health profile of university healthcare students. 
 Methods: Six hundred healthcare students at Turkish universities between the ages of 17-25 were included in our study. Participants were divided into 2 groups as hybrid (n = 300, 246 females, 54 males) and distance (n = 300, 258 females, 42 males) according to the education model they received at the university. Measurements were applied online via Google Forms. The Physical Activity (PA) of the participants were assessed with Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the health profiles of the participants were assessed with The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) inventory.
 Results: The students in the hybrid education model had significantly higher physical activity level (p=0.001) and a better health profile (p=0.001) compared to the students who were in distance education model. 
 Conclusions: Students with hybrid education model are more physically active and have a better health profile than students with distance education model because they go to university more than students with distance education model.