General Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity Among Healthcare Students: Associations with Self-Reported and Objectively Measured Activity, Physical Activity Habits, and Demographic Characteristics

PA is associated with numerous physical and mental health benefits, while self-efficacy is an important associated factor of health-related behaviors. However, evidence of the relationship between general self-efficacy and PA among healthcare students remains limited. This cross-sectional study included 747 healthcare students who completed an online survey comprising the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), IPAQ-SF, and measures of PA habits. A subsample of 50 participants additionally completed one week of activity monitoring using a Fitbit Versa 4. Associations were examined using non-parametric tests, Spearman’s rank correlation analyses, and multivariable linear regression models. Higher general self-efficacy was associated with greater self-reported PA, more frequent PA habits, and better self-rated physical fitness. Self-efficacy was also weakly associated with lower sitting time during weekends, but not during working days. Bivariate associations between self-efficacy and physical activity-related measures were weak (|ρ| ≤ 0.284). Total self-reported PA remained independently associated with self-efficacy in multivariable models, while the association with exercise frequency was attenuated after accounting for self-rated physical fitness. Model explanatory power was modest (adjusted R2 = 0.054–0.073). No clear associations were observed between self-efficacy and objectively measured weekly steps or active zone minutes. The agreement between self-reported and device-based measures was partial. General self-efficacy was associated with self-reported PA and perceived physical fitness, although associations were modest. Findings should be interpreted cautiously given the cross-sectional design, small monitoring subgroup, and multiple exploratory comparisons. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships.