Abstract
(1) Aim: To assess the attitude toward Lifestyle Medicine and healthy behaviours among students in the healthcare area and to demonstrate its association to psychological well-being; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study is conducted among 508 undergraduates of the University of Palermo (140 (27.6%) in the healthcare area and 368 (72.4%) in the non-healthcare area), during the academic year 2018–2019. Psychological well-being is measured through two dimensions of eudaimonia and hedonia, using the 10-item Hedonic and Eudaimonic Motives for Activities-Revised (HEMA-R) scale, with answers coded on a 7-point scale. The association between demographic and modifiable behavioural risk factors for chronic diseases is assessed through crude and adjusted Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals; (3) Results: Orientation to both hedonia and eudaimonia is significantly associated to the Mediterranean diet (ORAdj = 2.28; 95% CI = (1.42–3.70)) and drinking spirits less than once a week (ORAdj = 1.89; 95% CI = (1.10–3.27)) and once a week or more (ORAdj = 6.02; 95% CI = (1.05–34.52)), while these conditions occur together less frequently for current smokers (ORAdj = 0.38; 95% CI = (0.18–0.81)). Students inclined to well-being consider healthcare professionals as models for their patients and all people in general (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = (1.28–3.00)); (4) Conclusions: The positive relation found between a virtuous lifestyle and psychological well-being suggests the construction, development and cultivation of individual skills are a means to succeed in counteracting at risk behaviours for health.
Highlights
Worldwide, countries put policy strategies and health programs in place to counteract the spread chronic diseases and to promote healthy behaviours [1]
The attitude to be hedonic was lower for females than for males (Odds Ratios (OR) = 0.56, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) = (0.35–0.91))
Students following the Mediterranean diet were more inclined to eudaimonia (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = [1.52–4.12]), while those with binge experience in the past were less prone (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = [0.29–0.79])
Summary
Countries put policy strategies and health programs in place to counteract the spread chronic diseases and to promote healthy behaviours [1]. Physical inactivity, tobacco, and alcohol abuse are considered the modifiable behavioural risk factors (MBRF) determining the greatest burden of chronic diseases [2]. The World Health Organization [1] reports that tobacco accounts for over 7.2 million deaths every year, including those related to being exposed to passive smoke, and is expected to increase markedly over the coming years. It estimates that excess salt/sodium intake is responsible for 4.1 million annual deaths and that insufficient physical activity accounts for. Nearly 3 million annual deaths are attributable to alcohol abuse (5.3% of all deaths) [1]. To support the change of lifestyle as a first line of prevention, the Lifestyle
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
