Analysis of Health Promoting Lifestyle and Associated Factors on Collegiate Aviation Pilots

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

A health-promoting lifestyle is an important determinant of physical and mental health status. Collegiate aviation pilots face unique challenges in balancing a healthy lifestyle with academic and physical demands. The schedule and expectations required of collegiate aviation pilots can make it difficult to practice a health-promoting lifestyle. Enhancing comprehension of the lifestyles of these students can yield valuable insights into the challenges they encounter, and how institutions can enhance their support for them. An online survey using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire was utilized to investigate collegiate aviation pilots’ health promoting lifestyle and behaviors. Overall health promoting lifestyle and six areas including health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management were evaluated. Non-random convenience sampling was used to sample collegiate aviation pilots (N=191) from six Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 four-year degree-awarding collegiate flight training programs across the U.S. Findings suggest that Part 141 collegiate aviation pilots practice a moderately healthy lifestyle, with a mean score overall of 2.64 out of 4. Collegiate aviation pilots practiced healthy lifestyles in the categories of physical activity, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management. Health responsibility and nutrition were categories in which collegiate aviation pilots scored below the healthy lifestyle threshold, suggesting unhealthy lifestyle practices in those areas. The findings of this study provide direction for how institutions can better support their students across multiple lifestyle categories. Specific action is required to improve collegiate aviation pilot lifestyles in the areas of health responsibility and nutrition.

Authors

• Pan, Bill Deng, MSc Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Mendonca, Flavio A. C., PhD, MSc, MBA Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Collegiate Aviation Training
• Health
• Lifestyle
• Health Responsibility
• Nutrition
• Risk Management