Evaluation of Risk Behaviors of Medical Students of Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Background: To reduce behavioral risk factors is a priority of health policies in the Republic of Moldova. However, the promotion of health is a prerogative of the health system and less in educational activities in schools or universities. The aim: to identify medical students’ behavioral risks and their perception in health promotion. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using the CORT questionnaire (elaborated and validated at UMF V. Babes, Timisoara, Romania). Data on demographic and socio-economic characteristics and student’s behaviors were collected: dietary habits, drugs, smoking, family and school environment etc. A structured interview with 473 students was performed. This study was conducted according to the principles of the Helsinki Declaration (1996) and approval of the Nicolae Testemitanu SUMPh ethics committee no.16 from 14.11.2016. Results: There were 473 students integrated into the study, including 359 (75.9%) females and 114 (24.1%) males, mean age 20.42±1.57 years old. The anthropometric indices showed that the average height was 1.69±0.09m and the body mass was 61.31±0.53kg (σ=0.089). The nutritional status with a deficit is 16.1%, the surplus status is 25.2%. Non-smokers - 59.1%, who do not consume alcohol - 28.8%, who do not consume drugs - 95.1%. Conclusion: Our results require us to develop measures to reduce and, in some cases, eliminate health problems, students' negative behavioral attitudes and risk factors responsible for the health condition, mental health and health culture.