Nutrition, physical activity, and quality of life among students of the Faculty of Education at Milagro State University: a cluster analysis

Authors

  • Gustavo David Robalino Muñiz State University of Milagro, Milagro, Guayas Province, Ecuador
  • Viviana Beatriz González Barona State University of Milagro, Milagro, Guayas Province, Ecuador
  • Rosa Claudiana Robalino Muñiz State University of Milagro, Milagro, Guayas Province, Ecuador
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.721721
Keywords: Nutrition, Physical Activity, Quality of Life

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between eating habits, physical activity, and perceived quality of life in university students. The sample consisted of 200 randomly selected students between the ages of 18 and 30. Data collection took place in classrooms. Three main instruments were administered: the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to measure quality of life; a brief food frequency questionnaire to record weekly consumption of fruits, vegetables, and ultra-processed foods; and a weekly physical activity log in minutes. Anthropometric measurements were also calculated. The results revealed three profiles: a high-risk cluster (35%), characterized by high BMI, low fruit and vegetable consumption, high intake of ultra-processed foods, and low physical activity; an intermediate cluster (40%), with mixed habits and average quality of life; and a healthy cluster (25%), comprised of students with better eating habits, higher levels of physical activity, and higher perceived quality of life. These findings highlight the need to implement health promotion programs within the university context, aimed at strengthening healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity.

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Published
16-06-2026
How to Cite
Robalino Muñiz, G. D., González Barona, V. B., & Robalino Muñiz, R. C. (2026). Nutrition, physical activity, and quality of life among students of the Faculty of Education at Milagro State University: a cluster analysis. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 15, 52. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.721721
Issue
Vol. 15 (2026)
Section
Articles

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The works and papers that are published in this Journal are subject to the following terms:

1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.

© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013

2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.

3. Conditions of Self-Archiving. It is permitted and encouraged that the authors spread electronically the pre-print (before printing) and/or post-print (the revised, evaluated and accepted) versions of their papers or works before their publication since this favors their circulation and early diffusion and therefore can help increase their citation and quotation, and also there reach through the academic community.