Health vulnerabilities: the diagnosis of freshmen from a portuguese university

Felismina Mendes,Manuel José Lopes

doi:10.1590/s0104-07072014000100009

Felismina Mendes, Manuel José Lopes

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0104-07072014000100009

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Journal: Texto & Contexto - Enfermagem	Publication Date: Mar 1, 2014
Citations: 4	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: University of Évora

Abstract

The start of university is presented as a crucial stage in the life of the student. If, on the one hand, it is a period of increased autonomy and freedom, on the other, it is a period that also increases the sense of responsibility and self discipline. In this study, based on a quantitative approach, we identified the main risk situations experienced by freshmen at the University of Evora, by applying a questionnaire developed for this purpose and the Beck inventory. Key findings are highlighted, such as the consumption of harmful substances (tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs), whose values exceed the average population. The consumption of alcoholic beverages begins early and is continuous and excessive. Also, the presence of symptoms compatible with dysphoria and depression is noted in about 9% of students. Self-medication practices were found in 58.7% of the freshmen. Our findings reveal the need for preventive intervention by health professionals, due to these young people's great exposure to health risks.

Highlights

The transition from secondary to higher education represents a crucial phase in students’ lives
On the one hand, it is a period of increased autonomy and freedom, on the other, it increases the sense of responsibility and self discipline
The responsibility for learning, which used to be centered on the school, is dislocated to the young people

Summary

Introduction

The transition from secondary to higher education represents a crucial phase in students’ lives. The first was a questionnaire that mainly included closed questions, with answers on a Likert scale, and structured as follows: 1) Sociodemographic variables: questions related to city of origin, nationality, sex, age, existence of siblings, profession and education level of parents, course, whether the course was the first career option and whom the student lives with; 2) Daily activities: The dietary habits, physical exercise practice and locomotion (time to reach the University and transportation means used) were assessed; and 3) Harmful consumption: questions related to the history of harmful consumption (alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs) and consumption of medicines without a medical prescription.

Results

Conclusion