Beyond the Pandemic: Physical Activity and Health Behaviours as Predictors of Well-Being Among Filipino Tertiary Students

Lizamarie Campoamor Olegario Desiderio IV Salazar Camitan ^* Maria Luisa M. Guinto

• University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

This study examines the relationship between positive health behaviours, physical activity, and well-being among 2,620 Filipino tertiary students following an extended government-imposed community quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic variables, physical activity levels, and positive health behaviours were used as predictor variables in multiple regression, with well-being as the outcome variable. Results revealed that the covariates of physical activity, nutrition, relaxation, and preventive behaviours, when used as regressors, moderately explained (30%) the total variability of the overall post-pandemic well-being. Notably, the dimensions of positive health behaviours significantly predicted overall well-being, positive emotions, engagement, meaning, accomplishment, and health scores. However, no significant associations were found among nutrition, physical exercise, and relationship scores. While contextualised in the post-quarantine recovery, the study highlights the broader and ongoing significance of positive health behaviours in shaping student well-being beyond times of crisis. The findings underscore the transformative potential of targeted health interventions in fostering resilience and overall well-being in tertiary institutions, especially as students continue to face academic pressures, mental health challenges, and sedentary lifestyles in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The study's implications extend beyond pandemic recovery, offering actionable insights for educational institutions and policymakers seeking to integrate long-term, evidence-based health initiatives into student support systems. While the study outcomes do not imply causality, they emphasise the value of holistic health interventions. Recommendations include pursuing further research on the interplay between nutrition, cognition, and mood, promoting healthier campus food options, developing comprehensive health programs with sleep education and screening, deploying tailored cognitive strategies for stress management, and integrating positive psychology approaches in teaching and learning.