The benefits of interdisciplinary team work: my research experience on lifestyle choices

Background: A common international research area is being created as a result of linked activities of research centres. Aim of the study: To implement an interdisciplinary approach based on the example of a pilot study of lifestyle and identify connections between physical activity levels (PA), health-related behaviours, and the locus of health control among students. Material and methods: The research was carried out using 294 students of human sciences (235 females and 59 males) aged 18-24. A diagnostic survey method was chosen using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Health-Related Behaviour Inventory (HBI) and Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC). Results: Total PA was assessed at 3829.3 MET-min/week. The dominant types of activities were walking (1245 MET-min/week) and moderate PA (1254 MET-min/week). Higher values in intensive and moderate efforts were reported among the male students, while women reported higher values in walking. The general severity index HBI is 72-93 points. There were no significant gender-related differences regarding the general indicator (except for the increased frequency of low health-related behaviours among females). Respondents mostly presented with internal locus of control with influence of others being reported less frequently, and accident locus of control least frequently. The analysis revealed a correlation between the internal placement of MHLC and PA among men (r=0.226, p<0.01) and individual HBI indices among women. Conclusions: Most young people present a sufficient level of PA, desirable HBI, and, to a large extent, the internal locus of MHLC. The participants had a greater sense of responsibility for their own health. Females, when deciding on a lifestyle, are more easily influenced by other people. It is necessary to conduct interdisciplinary group work for comparative research in order to create educational and preventive programs addressing identified lifestyle abnormalities.