Impact of Academic Role on Physical Activity, Health Locus of Control, and Health-Related Quality of Life

This research investigated physical activity (PA), health locus of control, and health-related quality of life for adults working and/or enrolled at higher education institutions in California. Roles were full-time or part-time: student, faculty, or staff. One questionnaire combined four surveys, with added demographic questions. Over 65% of respondents reported high PA, 28% moderate, and 5% low. Part-time staff reported the greatest amount of high PA; full-time students showed the highest scores for health locus of control’s “God” scale; and, part-time faculty reported the highest scores for health-related quality of life’s general health. The college/university campus is a vital space for health education. Through improving understanding of how role impacts PA, health locus of control, and health related quality of life, health programs can be better designed for health behavior changes and improve health outcomes. This research was the first to look at differences among students, staff, and faculty.