Search Results (408)

Background: Cigarette smoking remains one of the most important preventable causes of respiratory morbidity, exerting detrimental effects even in young adults. Medical students represent a particularly relevant population, as the lifestyle habits they adopt during their training years may influence both their personal health and professional credibility. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 264 medical students from the University of Medicine, Pharmacology, Science and Technology of Târgu-Mures, aged 18–30 years, stratified according to smoking status, type of tobacco product used, and lifestyle characteristics (athletic vs. sedentary). Standardized spirometry was performed to assess FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC ratio, PEF, and small airway flow parameters (MEF₂₅, MEF₅₀, MEF₇₅). Statistical comparisons between groups were performed using t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Smokers demonstrated significantly lower values for FEV₁, PEF, and MEF parameters compared with non-smokers, confirming early functional impairment of both large and small airways. Within the smoking group, users of e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products exhibited more favorable FEV₁ and small airway flow values than conventional cigarette smokers. However, differences in FVC were less pronounced. Significantly, athletes consistently outperformed their sedentary peers across all respiratory parameters, regardless of smoking status, with markedly higher FEV₁, FVC, and MEF values and a lower prevalence of obstructive patterns. Cumulative smoking exposure (pack-years) was inversely associated with small airway function, whereas higher levels of physical activity were independently linked to a pronounced protective effect. Conclusions: Even in early adulthood, smoking is related to measurable declines in lung function, particularly affecting small airway dynamics. Although alternative products may appear less harmful than conventional cigarettes, they cannot be considered risk-free. Conversely, regular physical activity demonstrated a protective association in the case–control analysis, attenuating functional decline and supporting the preservation of long-term respiratory health. These findings underscore the importance of integrated prevention strategies in medical universities, combining smoking cessation initiatives with the systematic promotion of physical activity to safeguard the health of future physicians and reinforce their role as credible health advocates. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) constitutes one of the most broadly studied dietary patterns, which has been linked to the prevention of non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders. University students, a population exposed to significant psychosocial stressors and lifestyle changes, may particularly benefit from healthy eating patterns such as the MD. This study was designed to examine the potential associations of MD adherence with symptoms of depression and anxiety among Greek university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was initially conducted among 7160 active university students from ten diverse geographic regions in Greece. After the enrollment procedure and the application of relevant exclusion criteria, 5191 university students (52.0% female; mean age: 21.3 ± 2.4 years) constituted the study population. MD adherence was assessed using the KIDMED index, while depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6), respectively. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected for all the enrolled university students. All the questionnaires were completed by face-to-face interviews with expert personnel. Results: Students with low adherence to the MD were significantly more likely to report symptoms of depression (OR = 2.12; p ˂ 0.001) and anxiety (OR = 2.27; p ˂ 0.001) and to be overweight or obese (OR = 2.45; p ˂ 0.001) after adjustment for multiple confounding factors. Low MD adherence was also associated with male gender (OR = 0.73; p ˂ 0.01), living alone (OR = 0.78; p ˂ 0.01), smoking (OR = 0.75; p ˂ 0.01), low physical activity (OR = 1.84; p = 0.001), and poorer academic performance (OR = 0.83; p ˂ 0.01). Conclusions: Low adherence to the MD is significantly associated with increased likelihood of depression, anxiety, and excess body weight among university students in Greece. These findings underscore the importance of promoting healthy dietary habits and related lifestyle behaviors in young adult populations as a potential strategy for mental health prevention and intervention. Due to the presence of several limitations in the present study, future longitudinal and interventional studies should be performed to confirm the present findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: University students are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy eating patterns and body image dissatisfaction. The association between lifestyle factors and eating disorders (EDs) can be ambiguous as healthier lifestyle choices may paradoxically be related to ED risk. In this study, we aimed to analyze physical activity (PA) and dietary patterns—specifically food type and diet quality—as lifestyle indicators in university students with and without ED risk. Motivations for engaging in PA and the association between PA levels and diet quality were also examined. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 1982 undergraduate students aged 18–30 years from the University of the Balearic Islands. Dietary intake, diet quality, PA levels, and motivations were self-reported using a questionnaire. Results: Students at risk of EDs reported higher diet quality, including greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001) and more adequate consumption of fruits (p < 0.001), vegetables (p < 0.001), and red and processed meat (p < 0.001). Regarding PA, participants with ED risk engaged in more weekly PA sessions (p < 0.001) and accumulated a longer total weekly duration (p = 0.019), with physical appearance being the main motivation. In participants without ED risk, PA levels were positively associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001); however, no such association was observed in participants with ED risk (p = 0.538). Conclusions: Students at risk for EDs exhibited comparatively healthier diet and PA patterns, seemingly driven by concerns related to body image and an aversion to energy-dense foods. Therefore, apparent health behaviors should not be used to rule out ED risk. Full article

Background: The (COVID-19) pandemic profoundly disrupted daily routines and physical activity (PA), especially among university students, due to restrictions and limited access to sports facilities. As this group is particularly vulnerable to sedentary lifestyles and mental health issues, understanding their PA patterns is crucial. This study explores overall and domain-specific PA levels and the influence of sociodemographic factors, offering insights for promoting sustainable PA strategies in higher education during and beyond health crises. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among University of Foggia students during the pandemic. The participants completed the validated Italian IPAQ-Long to assess PA across various domains. Associations with demographics and perceived barriers were analyzed via t tests, ANOVA, and nonparametric tests. Results: A total of 301 students completed the survey. Despite barriers such as limited living space, low income, and sports facility closures, 66% of the participants reported high PA levels, mainly through work-related and leisure activities. This remains insufficient. PA varied significantly by gender, income, residence, and employment status: males reported higher leisure PA, whereas females engaged more in active transport and domestic activities. Rural residents and those with moderate incomes demonstrated higher overall PA, whereas employed students presented lower activity levels. These findings underscore the complex socioeconomic and environmental factors shaping PA behavior during an unprecedented global health crisis. Conclusions: The findings reveal that students’ resilience in maintaining PA is a coping mechanism despite socioeconomic and environmental barriers. Tailored, accessible PA initiatives integrated into university curricula can enhance student well-being, academic performance, and long-term health during and after public health emergencies. Universities should adopt accessible, equity-oriented PA initiatives to promote physical and mental health and enhance public-health preparedness during future emergencies. Full article

Background: Eating habits such as fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and breakfast frequency are well recognized for their contribution to overall health and well-being. However, the psychological mechanisms that explain the link between these habits and life satisfaction remain poorly explored among university students in the health sciences. Objective: To examine whether positive affect mediates the relationship between FV consumption, breakfast frequency, and life satisfaction among health sciences students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 511 students. FV consumption, breakfast frequency, positive affect, and life satisfaction were assessed using self-report measures. Mediation models were applied to estimate direct and indirect associations. Results: FV consumption and breakfast frequency were positively associated with both positive affect and life satisfaction. Although the direct associations with life satisfaction were not significant, the indirect associations through positive affect were significant (FV: β = 0.114, 95% CI [0.055, 0.173]; breakfast: β = 0.133, 95% CI [0.073, 0.192]). The model accounted for 51.4% of the variance in life satisfaction. Conclusions: The results highlight the role of positive affect as a psychological mechanism linking everyday eating habits to life satisfaction, emphasizing the need to integrate emotional components into strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles among university populations. Full article

Poor coping among university students is widespread globally, yet few studies examine whether modifiable lifestyle risk factors are associated with this phenomenon. This study aims to assess the frequency of physical activity, chronotype, and disordered eating attitudes among students, and to determine whether these factors are associated with effective functioning in academic settings and subjective cognitive well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Omani undergraduate students (n = 408) using a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and instruments, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Morningness–Eveningness Chronotype Scale, the Eating Attitudes Test, and a measure of subjective cognitive well-being. Participants’ mean age was 20.21  years (female = 74.3%). In total, 28.4% showed disordered eating attitudes, and half were physically active. 34.1% were classified as evening type. Independent regression analysis showed that chronotype was positively associated with physical activity (β = 0.06, p = 0.004). Disordered eating behavior did not significantly associate with physical activity (β = 0.1, p = 0.16). Moreover, physical activity was positively associated with cognitive function (β = 0.11, p = 0.039). However, the effect sizes were small, suggesting additional factors may contribute to these associations. This study is among the first to explore the influence of lifestyle factors on cognitive well-being in university students and may inform future studies and interventions targeting modifiable lifestyle behaviors to improve coping and academic functioning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diet and physical activity are key lifestyle behaviours associated with sleep quality, yet their combined and sex-specific associations remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the associations between dietary behaviours and sleep quality among university students and assessed whether physical activity formed part of an indirect statistical association between these variables, with sex considered as a moderator. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 students (199 males, 219 females) from the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences. Body height and body mass were measured using standard anthropometric procedures. Sleep quality (SQ) was registered with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), dietary habits were assessed with the Questionnaire of Eating Behaviours (QEB) and physical activity (PA) was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data-driven feature-selection methods were applied to identify dietary behaviours associated with sleep quality, which were combined into a Synthetic Dietary Behaviour Index (SDBI). A moderated mediation model, adjusted for body mass index (BMI), was then used to examine the statistical associations between dietary behaviours, physical activity, sleep quality, and sex. Sleep quality was modelled as a continuous PSQI score in mediation analyses, while the dichotomised PSQI category was used only for feature selection. Results: Machine-learning feature selection identified nine dietary behaviours statistically associated with sleep quality. Unfavourable behaviours—fast food, fried meals, sweetened beverages, energy drinks and alcohol—were linked to poorer sleep, whereas vegetables, curd cheese and wholegrain bread were associated with better sleep. Poor sleep was more prevalent among females (45.2% vs. 14.6%, χ² (1) = 65.4, p < 0.001). The mediation model indicated that physical activity formed part of a statistically significant but modest indirect association between dietary behaviour and sleep quality, with sex moderating the IPAQ → PSQI path (β = −0.45, p = 0.006). Indirect associations were significant for both sexes but stronger among females (males: β = 0.032, p = 0.021; females: β = 0.102, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Unfavourable dietary patterns and lower physical activity were statistically associated with poorer sleep quality, with a stronger indirect statistical effect observed among females. These findings support the relevance of integrated, sex-sensitive lifestyle approaches addressing both dietary behaviours and physical activity, while acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of the data. Full article

Background: Cardiometabolic diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide and are strongly influenced by lifestyle factors. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association between a healthy lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk in higher education students in the San Martín region, Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic convenience sampling was conducted among 1054 students from higher education institutions in the San Martín region, Peru. The Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Scale (DEVS) was applied, and anthropometric indicators (BMI and waist circumference) were assessed by trained nutritionists. Descriptive statistics, association tests (chi-square and Wilcoxon), and Poisson regression models with robust variance were used. Results: Obesity was significantly associated with higher vitamin B12 intake (PR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.16–4.91) and with higher water consumption (>8 glasses/day) (PR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.20–5.66), although these findings may reflect reverse causality given the cross-sectional nature of the data. Greater whole grain consumption was associated with a lower risk of elevated waist circumference (PR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.40–0.91). Similarly, engaging in ≥30 min of daily physical activity was significantly associated with reduced central adiposity (PR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.56–0.86). Conclusions: The findings suggest that whole grain consumption and regular physical activity act as protective factors, whereas certain dietary patterns—despite being considered healthy—may be associated with higher cardiometabolic risk depending on the dietary context. Full article

Background/Objectives: University students are a population vulnerable to psychological distress due to academic and lifestyle transitions. This study examined the relationships between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and subjective well-being among Slovak university students, with attention to gender-specific and non-linear patterns. Methods: A total of 1314 first-year students (69.5% women; mean age = 20.7 ± 1.4 years) completed the IPAQ-Short Form and the Bern Questionnaire on Subjective Well-Being (BSW/A). PA levels were categorized as low, moderate, or high according to standard MET thresholds. Group differences were analyzed using nonparametric tests with Benjamini–Hochberg FDR correction. Results: Higher PA levels were associated with more favorable well-being outcomes, particularly higher self-esteem and joy of life and lower depressed mood and somatic complaints. Effect sizes ranged from small to moderate. Gender-specific patterns emerged: among men, well-being indicators tended to plateau beyond moderate PA, whereas among women, moderate PA showed an inverse association with self-esteem despite slightly higher median scores in the moderate-activity group. Sedentary time showed weak and mostly non-significant associations after FDR correction. Conclusions: Physical activity was positively associated with subjective well-being in a non-linear, gender-dependent manner. These findings suggest that approaches to supporting student well-being may benefit from considering gender differences, individual activity patterns, and motivational context. Full article

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is increasingly recognized as a behavioral concern among university students, with consequences for well-being, risky behaviors, and academic outcomes. However, evidence from Greece remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of PSU among students at the University of Piraeus and interpreted findings through Griffiths’ components model of addiction. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and June 2023 with 1743 participants, who provided socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health information and completed the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV). Nearly half of the students (49.2%) exceeded the proposed SAS-SV thresholds for PSU (50.5% men; 48% women). Regression analysis showed that alcohol consumption (p < 0.001), weekly screen time (p < 0.001), younger age (p < 0.001), female sex (p < 0.001), size of household (p < 0.033), and anxiety/depression (p = 0.019) were significant predictors of higher SAS-SV scores, while smoking, BMI, exercise, and academic performance were not associated. For the independent statistical tests, the Benjamini–Hochberg correction was applied to control the false discovery rate. Group comparisons confirmed greater alcohol use (p < 0.001), screen exposure (p < 0.001), and anxiety/depression (p = 0.004) among PSU students. Item-level responses reflected components of tolerance, salience, withdrawal, and conflict. These findings place Greek students at the higher end of international prevalence estimates and highlight the importance of integrating digital-well-being initiatives within student health services in universities. Full article

Engagement in physical activity (PA) has been considered to be influenced by multiple psychosocial factors (such as mental health, motivation and social support). However, current interventions often neglect these complex interactions. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) highlights the need for context-specific strategies addressing individual, social, environmental, and public engagement domains to enhance student PA. Therefore, this study aimed to develop strategies and recommendations to enhance the PA levels of undergraduate university students by using a SEM Approach. A co-creative consensus workshop, held between July and August 2024, was employed. The stakeholder group (n = 25) comprised undergraduate university students, professors and academic doctors specialising in PA and health-related disciplines. Data generated from the workshop were uploaded into Atlas Ti. V8 and thematically analysed. The co-created strategies underscore the importance of a multi-level approach to enhancing PA participation among undergraduate students. A total of 32 strategies were developed, reflecting the interconnected influence of psychosocial factors across the levels of the SEM. These include strategies related to PA (9), mental health (7), motivation (9), and social support (7). By developing context-specific strategies and recommendations that address individual, social, physical, and public engagement levels, the research offers practical, student-centred solutions to enhance PA participation. The co-created strategies hold the potential to foster long-term behavioural change and promote active, healthier lifestyles within the South African university context. Full article

Background: Nutrition literacy (NL) plays a crucial role in shaping long-term health behaviors among college students, particularly during the transformative final phase of their school education. This study investigated the level of NL among college students in Beijing and examined its association with these behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 765 students from 12 universities in Beijing. The questionnaire comprised three sections: demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and a nutrition literacy scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.893; χ²/DF = 4.750; RMSEA = 0.048; GFI = 0.891; AGFI = 0.876). The NL scale was divided into two domains: cognition and skills. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize NL scores and their distributions across dimensions and subgroups. Group differences for categorical variables were examined using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Logistic regression analyses was employed to identify factors associated with NL. Mediation effects were tested using the Baron and Kenny approach. Results: The mean NL score was 67.74 ± 9.07, with only 7.6% of participants achieving an excellent NL level. Several lifestyle factors were significantly associated with excellent NL. Students with monthly living expenses of 2000–3000 CNY (OR = 2.35, p = 0.019) and >3000 CNY (OR = 3.22, p = 0.023) had higher odds of excellent NL compared to those spending <2000 CNY. Occasional exercise (OR = 2.36, p = 0.026) and daily breakfast consumption (OR = 2.76, p = 0.027) were also positively associated with excellent NL. In contrast, frequent midnight snacking significantly reduced the likelihood of excellent NL (OR = 0.20, p = 0.031). Better self-rated health status was strongly correlated with higher NL (OR = 2.82, p = 0.012). Moreover, NL mediated the relationship between lifestyle factors and healthy eating behaviors, underscoring a gap between nutritional knowledge and practical food skills. Conclusions: Current findings indicated suboptimal nutrition literacy among college students in Beijing, particularly in food selection skills. Excellent NL rates were associated with demographic and lifestyle factors, with NL serving as a mediator between lifestyle and health-related behaviors. These results emphasize the need for targeted nutrition education programs to enhance both knowledge and practical skills among university students. Full article

Background: Medical students are at high risk for depressive symptoms, but few longitudinal studies have examined changes over time, especially among those repeating academic years. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and temporal trends of depressive symptoms and self-rated health among Hungarian medical students, examining the influence of demographic and lifestyle factors and the independent impact of academic repetition on mental health risk. Methods: In a four-year cohort study at the University of Pécs Medical School, students were classified as original-entry cohort (progressing according to the standard curriculum) or repeaters (those who began studies before 2016). Sample size was N = 196 in the first semester of the first year, N = 192 in the second semester of the first year, N = 157 in the second year, N = 147 in the third year, and N = 155 in the fourth year. Data were collected at five time points on lifestyle factors and depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory and a self-rated health questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression identified risk and protective factors. Results: In the original-entry cohort, depressive symptoms peaked in the first two years (up to 52.6%), then declined to 24.6% by year four. Compared to age-matched peers, students had 3.1-fold higher odds of depressive symptoms at entry (OR = 3.10, CI: 2.007–4.773; p < 0.001), rising to 5.2-fold after the first exam period (OR = 5.20, CI: 3.375–8.000; p < 0.001). Among repeaters, odds of depressive symptoms remained over threefold higher than the general population (OR = 3.64, CI: 1.888–7.022, year IV/1), and self-rated health was significantly lower (p < 0.001). Financial hardship increased risk, while regular physical activity was protective. Conclusions: This study highlights the elevated and persistent mental health risks among repeaters and medical students with financial difficulties. Stratifying by academic progression reveals unique vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for targeted support in medical training. Full article

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate teachers’ lifestyle habits and to investigate their knowledge and behaviors related to cancer screening. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was performed among teachers randomly selected from schools located in the Campania region, Italy. Results: Only 17% of the teachers were current smokers, while 72.1% consumed alcohol. Female teachers, those who were married/cohabitant, and those who discussed with students about alcohol consumption were more likely to have never smoked or drunk alcohol. Female and older teachers, those with a university or a master/PhD degree, and those who had a moderate/high level of physical activity (PA) were more likely to sufficiently consume fruits and vegetables. Only 20.9% of teachers had a moderate/high level of PA. Those who had at least one child, who taught humanistic and support disciplines, and who needed additional information on healthy lifestyle habits were less likely to have a moderate/high level of PA. Among participants, 42.3% had ever undergone mammography for screening and 37.5% a Pap test and a fecal occult blood test. Conclusions: This survey describes a worrying prevalence of unhealthy behaviors and low adherence to screening programs among Italian teachers, suggesting the need for education and screening campaigns to improve preventive strategies in this population. Full article

Background: University students often display unhealthy eating habits shaped by economic, cultural, and psychosocial factors. These behaviors increase risks of chronic and mental disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic further changed their diet and physical activity (PA) habits, highlighting the need to identify determinants of diet quality (DQ). Objective: The objective of this study is to identify risk profiles of poor DQ among university students from Chile, Mexico, Spain, and Italy through multivariate segmentation analysis. Methods: A cross-sectional predictive study was conducted among 686 university students (60.8% women; mean age = 22.4 ± 5.1 years) using an online questionnaire on sociodemographic, academic, health, and lifestyle factors, including PA (IPAQ-SF^®) and DQ (HEI). Analyses included descriptive, inferential, and decision tree (CHAID and CART) models. Results: Significant differences in HEI scores (p < 0.001) were observed by country, field of study, academic year, and PA level. Chilean and Mexican students had the lowest DQ. Both models achieved high overall accuracy (≈91%), but balanced accuracy was around 50%, reflecting limited discrimination of healthy diet profiles and underscoring their exploratory value for identifying at-risk subgroups rather than precise prediction. CART identified country of residence and socioeconomic status as the primary determinants of poor diet quality (DQ), while CHAID highlighted field of study and socioeconomic status, with PA and BMI contributing at secondary levels. Conclusions: The results emphasize adapting public health strategies to local contexts—promoting Mediterranean-style diets in European universities and improving access to affordable healthy foods in Latin American campuses, complemented by campus initiatives integrating nutrition education, physical activity, and psychosocial support. Full article