Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(4):229-238

Habits and Attitudes of First-Year Female Students at Warmia and Mazury University: a Call for Implementing Health Education Programme at Universities

Robert Podstawski1, Dariusz Choszcz2, Jaros³aw Klimczak3, Ewelina Kolankowska2, Piotr ¯urek4
1 Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
2 Faculty of Technical Sciences, Chair of Machines and Separation Processes, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
3 Department of Tourism and Recreation, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
4 University School of Physical Education, Poznañ, Department in Gorzów Wlkp., Gorzów Wlkp, Poland

Introduction: Entering university frequently brings about considerable changes in the students' lifestyle, which often affect negatively their health. Therefore, it seems to be of great importance to promote pro-health habits and attitudes particularly among 1st-year-students and thus, it is necessary to accurately assess their lifestyles and needs in this regard.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the habits and attitudes towards healthy lifestyle of 762 first-year female students enrolled at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn so as to detect health risks and ultimately present the need for remedial measures.

Methods: Female students were randomly selected from all the groups attending obligatory physical education classes. The students filled in an anonymous questionnaire, which contained questions referring to their physical activity, nutrition, tobacco and alcohol use, and stress.

Results: The research demonstrated a worrisome picture of the students' habits and attitudes with regard to health. It showed that the female students took keener interest in daily body care than in proper nutrition and an adequate level of physical activity. What is also alarming is the excessive amount of alcohol they consumed on a regular basis.

Conclusions: The research findings call for a specially designed pro-health programme to be implemented during the time of the studies in order to raise the female students' awareness of leading a health-conscious lifestyle.

Keywords: attitudes towards health, opinions and habits, university, female students, Poland

Received: October 24, 2013; Revised: May 12, 2014; Accepted: May 12, 2014; Published: December 1, 2014  Show citation

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Podstawski R, Choszcz D, Klimczak J, Kolankowska E, ¯urek P. Habits and Attitudes of First-Year Female Students at Warmia and Mazury University: a Call for Implementing Health Education Programme at Universities. Cent Eur J Public Health. 2014;22(4):229-238. PubMed PMID: 25622480.
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