Assessment of healthy lifestyle behaviors among first-year medical, dentistry and health sciences students in Turkey

Abstract

This cross-sectional study, in which the first-year findings of a prospective follow-up study were presented, was conducted with 356 students enrolled in the first-year of three faculties at a state university in Istanbul between November 1st and December 31st, 2019. With this study, it was aimed to evaluate the changes in certain healthy lifestyle behaviors, risky behaviors and depression levels of students enrolled at the different faculties of a public university in Istanbul during their university life. The data were obtained through a questionnaire of 65 questions, and the Beck Depression Inventory, which consisted of 21 questions. They were administered under supervision by providing preliminary information to the students. The mean body mass index, mean systolic blood pressure and mean diastolic blood pressure values of the students were 23.23 + 4.1, 108.97 + 15.21 and 66.98 + 10.08, respectively. The mean daily sleep time was 6.77 + 1.21 hours, the mean TV viewing time was 0.77 + 1.13 hours, and the mean time they spent with a smartphone, tablet or computer was 3.67 + 2.50 hours. Among the students, 37.07% were smokers, 26.12% consumed alcohol, and 4.77% used addictive substances. Of the students, 31.46% considered themselves at risk for depression. At the universities, there is a need for the implementation of health promotion programs focusing on promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition and reducing risky behaviors. In addition, these programs should be strengthened with the trainings on changing behaviors.