Eating Habits and Physical Activity Engagement Among Maritime Students

This study determined the eating habits and physical activity engagement among maritime students in Bacolod City during the Academic Year 2025–2026. Specifically, it assessed the extent of students’ eating habits and physical activity engagement when grouped according to year level and program, determined the significant differences in these variables, and identified the relationship between eating habits and physical activity engagement. The study utilized a descriptive-correlational research design with 344 maritime students selected through proportionate stratified random sampling from a population of 3,229 students. Data were gathered using adapted and modified questionnaires. The eating habits questionnaire was adapted and modified from the Eating Behavior Patterns Questionnaire, while the physical activity engagement questionnaire was adapted and modified from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The modifications were made to ensure the relevance and suitability of the items to maritime students, particularly in terms of eating behaviors, meal patterns, and physical activity participation within the academic context. The questionnaires were validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation, together with inferential statistics including Kruskal–Wallis H Test, Mann–Whitney U Test, and Spearman Rank-Order Correlation, were used in analyzing the data.
Findings revealed that maritime students demonstrated moderately high eating habits and moderate physical activity engagement based on the study’s rating scale. No significant differences were found in eating habits and physical activity engagement when grouped according to year level and program. However, a significant positive relationship existed between eating habits and physical activity engagement, indicating that students with better eating habits tended to have higher engagement in physical activities. Based on the findings, a wellness training program was proposed to further enhance the eating habits and physical activity engagement of maritime students.

Eating Habits, Physical Activity Engagement, Maritime Students, Health Behaviors, Wellness Program, Descriptive-Correlational Research

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