The level of healthy lifestyle beliefs among adolescents in different educational groups as an indicator of the need for preventive interventions

Abstract

Purpose. The aim to assess the level of healthy lifestyle beliefs and behavioral intentions among adolescents and to compare the results of pupils of general secondary education institutions and students of vocational and professional pre-tertiary education. Materials and methods. Sociological, statistical, and general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization) were applied. A survey was conducted among two groups of adolescents in Zakarpattia region: school pupils (n=206) and students of vocational/pre-tertiary education (n=606). The questionnaire was developed using Google Forms; responses were assessed on a five-point Likert scale. Data processing included descriptive analysis (M, Me, SD), distribution of responses in %±m, and comparison of indicators between the groups. Results. In the group of school pupils, the mean values of responses across the statements ranged from 3.61 to 4.31 points, reflecting generally positive beliefs and motivation toward a healthy lifestyle. Overall, 75.7±3.0% of respondents demonstrated a positive orientation toward healthy lifestyle practices. The highest levels of agreement were related to physical activity, indicating that this domain is perceived as the most meaningful and achievable component of health-preserving behavior. Specifically, 84.9±2.5% agreed that physical exercise improves well-being, and 81.6±2.4% reported confidence in their ability to become more physically active. These findings suggest that adolescents in the school environment not only recognize the benefits of physical activity but also perceive it as personally attainable, which is essential for sustainable behavior change. At the same time, beliefs related to nutrition appeared less stable. Although 64.6±3.3% of pupils expressed positive intentions to choose healthy food, the share of undecided responses reached 18.9±2.7%, indicating uncertainty and possible barriers to implementing healthy dietary behavior. This may reflect the influence of external determinants such as family eating culture, financial accessibility of healthy food, peer norms, and limited opportunities for healthy choices outside the home. In addition, the variability of nutrition-related responses may point to insufficient nutrition literacy and weaker self-regulation skills regarding everyday food decisions. Among vocational/pre-tertiary education students, mean values were lower (3.47–3.89 points), and the proportion of adolescents positively oriented toward healthy lifestyle behavior was 60.8±2.0%, which was significantly lower compared to school pupils (p<0.001). The observed differences between the groups were most pronounced in physical activity and dietary behavior. Positive responses related to physical activity were less common among vocational students, which may indicate reduced institutional and environmental support for physical activity, fewer organized opportunities for sport participation, and less structured daily routines. In the nutrition domain, positive responses regarding healthy eating among students accounted for 56.1±2.0%, which was lower than among school pupils. The combined evidence shows that adolescents in vocational/pre-tertiary education are a more vulnerable group regarding health-preserving beliefs, particularly in lifestyle components that require stable routines, supportive environments, and stronger self-control. Conclusions. Most adolescents have positive healthy lifestyle beliefs, but their level varies by educational environment. School pupils show significantly higher positive orientation toward a healthy lifestyle than vocational/pre-tertiary students. In both groups, beliefs are strongest regarding physical activity, while dietary behavior and self-regulation are less developed, especially among vocational students. These findings support the need for targeted educational and preventive programs in vocational education settings, focusing on healthy nutrition, self-regulation, resistance to social pressure, and strengthening adolescents’ psychological resources.