Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 14(1), pp. 198 - 206
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140120
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Health Practices and Behaviors among University Students in Southern Philippines: Implications for Holistic Health Education

Jemwell B. Francisco ¹, Jomar B. Esto ¹, Armand G. Aton ², Vinus P. Java ¹, Gauvin Adlaon ^1,*, Jainah Rose G. Amilbahar ¹, Marianne I. Meriales ¹, Lalyn N. Cabauatan ¹, Jza T. Dana ¹, Gideon S. Sumayo ³, Ezra Ivan Rey Abalos ¹, Eimer M. Estilloso ¹, Emy A. Morbo ⁴, Jayson A. Falle ⁴, Cristitito P. Ornopia ⁵, Joven P. Dadap ^5
1 University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines
² Cavite State University, Cavite, Philippines
³ University of Southern Mindanao PALMA Cluster Campuses, Cotabato, Philippines
⁴ Sultan Kudarat State University, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines
⁵ Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines

ABSTRACT

This study explored the health practices and behaviors of university students in the Southern Philippines, emphasizing key domains such as health perception and management, nutrition, physical activity, sleep quality, cognitive functioning, and stress tolerance. Employing a quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design, the study surveyed a total of 1,086 students selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Health Practices and Behaviors Questionnaire, a validated tool designed to assess various dimensions of students' health-related behaviors. Descriptive statistics were used to compute composite means, providing an overview of students' engagement in each health domain. In addition, Spearman's rho correlation was applied to examine the relationships among the different health behaviors. Findings revealed that university students generally demonstrated moderate levels of health practices across most areas. Notably, significant positive correlations were identified between specific domains, particularly between physical activity, sleep, and stress tolerance. These findings underscore the interdependent nature of health behaviors, suggesting that improvements in one area may positively influence others. The results highlight the importance of adopting integrated and holistic approaches to health promotion within university settings. Institutions of higher learning are encouraged to implement comprehensive wellness programs that simultaneously address physical, mental, and behavioral health components. Such efforts can enhance not only students' overall well-being but also their academic engagement and performance. Furthermore, the study recommends that future research consider a broader set of variables—such as socioeconomic status, cultural background, and environmental factors—that may influence health practices among university students. By understanding these additional influences, educational institutions and policymakers can design more effective, targeted interventions to support the diverse needs of the student population.

KEYWORDS
Learner Wellness, Self-Care Practices, Tertiary Learners, Wellness Advocacy, Wellness Behaviors

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Jemwell B. Francisco , Jomar B. Esto , Armand G. Aton , Vinus P. Java , Gauvin Adlaon , Jainah Rose G. Amilbahar , Marianne I. Meriales , Lalyn N. Cabauatan , Jza T. Dana , Gideon S. Sumayo , Ezra Ivan Rey Abalos , Eimer M. Estilloso , Emy A. Morbo , Jayson A. Falle , Cristitito P. Ornopia , Joven P. Dadap , "Health Practices and Behaviors among University Students in Southern Philippines: Implications for Holistic Health Education," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 198 - 206, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140120.

(b). APA Format:
Jemwell B. Francisco , Jomar B. Esto , Armand G. Aton , Vinus P. Java , Gauvin Adlaon , Jainah Rose G. Amilbahar , Marianne I. Meriales , Lalyn N. Cabauatan , Jza T. Dana , Gideon S. Sumayo , Ezra Ivan Rey Abalos , Eimer M. Estilloso , Emy A. Morbo , Jayson A. Falle , Cristitito P. Ornopia , Joven P. Dadap (2026). Health Practices and Behaviors among University Students in Southern Philippines: Implications for Holistic Health Education. Universal Journal of Public Health, 14(1), 198 - 206. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140120.