Authors

• Kunttu, Kristina (Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS))
• Huttunen, Teppo (Clinical Research Services Turku (CRST))

Keywords

accidents, alcohol use, dental health, diet and exercise, dietary habits, drinking behaviour, drug use, food and nutrition, health, health services, health status, interpersonal relations, lifestyle and health, mental health, physical activities, smoking, students (college), symptoms, tutoring, undergraduates

Abstract

The health survey of university students charted the respondents' health, and factors influencing their health. Questions covered general state of health, possible illnesses and injuries, and use of medication. Mental health was investigated with the help of GHQ12 (General Health Questionnaire) and a screen test created by psychologist Salli Saari. The screen test focused on the respondents' relationships to their parents and friends, their sexuality, strengths, and skills.

Health behaviour was examined with questions pertaining to smoking, drug and alcohol use, nutrition and exercise. In relation to alcohol use, the respondents were asked how much and how often they drank alcohol, and whether drinking had ever prevented them from doing something planned or caused an accident. The questionnaire included an AUDIT-test (Alcohol Disorders Test). Eating habits were investigated with questions about the respondents' consumption of dairy and grain products, fruits, berries, vegetables, and sugary and fatty products. The respondents were also asked whether they were on a special diet. In addition, they evaluated their own state of health. Participation in sports as well as the frequency of brushing teeth, using dental floss and eating xylitol chewing gum were charted.

The respondents were asked about feelings of loneliness and level of social interaction. With regard to studies, they assessed whether their area of study was the right one for them, when they were going to graduate, who had given them study guidance and how satisfied they had been with the guidance. The respondents' financial circumstances and participation in paid employment were studied.

Attitudes to health issues were charted by asking whether there should be legislation regulating smoking in the workplace, alcohol selling in retail shops, cannabis use, or alcohol use in public places etc. The respondents were asked whether health professionals had advised them to change their lifestyle, and whether the doctor's instructions had helped them to do so. The most important sources of health-related information were also surveyed.

Finally, the respondents' use of health services was investigated. Visits to student, occupational, military, public or private health service units were studied, and respondents evaluated the quality of service and care they had received at the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). Reasons for using other services than those provided by the FSHS were studied. Need for the help of health services in certain issues (e.g. stress management, self-esteem, nutrition) was charted.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, year of birth, year of beginning studies, location of university, and area of study.

The study was funded by the research and development fund of the Finnish Student Health Service.