Exploring Trends and Differences in Health Behaviours of Health Sciences University Students from Germany and England: Findings from the “SuSy” Project

Abstract

Objectives: This research aimed to explore the health behaviours of health sciences students over time and across different settings.Methods: A health behaviour surveillance system has been implemented in Hamburg and Manchester among under- and postgraduate health sciences students. Trends among the Hamburg sample were described. In a cross-sectional assessment, health behaviours across both universities were examined using multivariate regression analysis.Results: Between 2014 and 2018, increasing trends in physical activity and cannabis and alcohol consumption were observed in Hamburg (n = 1,366). While fruit and vegetable intake was constantly low, tobacco smoking decreased. No clear trend was observed for stress perception. The comparison (n = 474) revealed that Manchester students had higher odds of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and fruit and vegetable consumption; and lower odds of being physically active, and consuming cannabis. No difference in stress perception was observed.Conclusions: Varying trends and potential areas of intervention were identified for health behaviours in Hamburg. The comparison with Manchester students revealed differences in behaviours, which could be further explored to help inform health promotion strategies in both settings.

“Simply complicated”: Uncovering the processes of lifestyle behavior change among college and university students with access to a digital multiple lifestyle intervention

“… 9 , 10 But this transition could also work as a window of opportunity to intervene 11 since students engage in various unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. 12 – 15 Among 18- to 29-year-olds in Sweden who responded to a national public health survey (n = 1610), approximately one-third were physically active for <20 min per day or were sedentary for more than 10 h per day. In addition, nearly 13% smoked daily or occasionally and one in four had risky alcohol consumption, which at the time of the study was defined as either drinking 9 (women)/14 (men) or more standard drinks of alcohol per week or drinking 4 (women)/5 (men) or more standard drinks on a single occasion at least once a month (a standard drink is in Sweden defined as 12 g of pure alcohol (ethanol/ethyl alcohol), 16 for example 125 mL of wine or half a pint of beer).…”

Can an Authentic Assessment Task Improve the Health Behaviours of Undergraduate Students?

“…Undergraduate health-science students are future health professionals; therefore, it is essential that they have the knowledge and skills required to promote healthy lifestyles in themselves and their future patients. However, studies have shown that health-science students are not always more knowledgeable about health behaviours than other students, and their own health behaviours are not ideal [15,16]. The stress of new academic and external demands on undergraduate students can reduce the prioritisation of health-seeking behaviours and negatively affect their health and mental well-being [17].…”