Introduction and objective:
To evaluate differences in self-reported physical activity, health behaviors, and health locus of control among female nursing students, and to analyze the associations between these variables across two cohorts (2016 and 2026).

Material and methods:
This cross-sectional study included 473 female students (2016: N=230; 2026: N=243). Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales.

Results:
The 2026 cohort demonstrated significantly lower levels of physical activity and health-promoting behaviors compared to the 2016 cohort. The "Powerful Others" locus of control dimension was significantly lower in 2026 (p < 0.001), while the "Internal" and "Chance" dimensions remained unchanged. In 2016, health behaviors correlated exclusively with the "Powerful Others" dimension (ρ = 0.18). In contrast, in 2026, they significantly correlated with both the "Internal" (ρ = 0.32; p < 0.001) and "Powerful Others" (ρ = 0.29; p < 0.001) dimensions. No correlations were found between MHLC dimensions and physical activity in either group.

Conclusions:
The more recent cohort exhibits higher levels of sedentary behavior, poorer health habits, and a decreased reliance on medical authorities. The transition in 2026 to a dual model, where health behaviors are associated with both internal agency and external support, highlights the need for educational interventions that integrate patient autonomy with trust in professionals, alongside the promotion of physical activity.