Abstract

Universities have been the focus of numerous studies on health promotion initiatives, mainly centred on results that determine outcomes and impacts. This study explores the perceptions of various community members regarding implementing the university health promotion policy. We employed qualitative methods (case study); semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted at a Chilean university to gather data based on both inductive and deductive analyses. A comprehensive schema of students', professors' and administrative/technical staff's perceptions was established. We found a generally positive assessment of the policy and its promotion of healthy lifestyle environments. However, participation within the university community was uneven, with each group identifying different barriers to increased involvement: high academic workloads (students), research and administrative responsibilities (professors), and limited availability of health and wellness-promoting activities (administrative/technical staff). The findings suggest that future educational health initiatives should incorporate health indicators into management practices, enhance wellness literacy and empower community members to foster greater engagement. From a methodology perspective, study design enables the replication of health policy or program deployment in educational community health settings. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.