PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SEX AND PLACE OF RESIDENCE AS DETERMINANTS OF SMOKING AND ALCOHOL DRINKING AMONG YOUTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE 1ST YEAR OF STUDY SHORT TITLE: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND DRUGS AMONG YOUTH

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the significance of relationships between physical activity, selected demographic factors (gender and place of living) and the frequency of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking among youth before and after the first year of study. Material and methods. In the study participated youth beginning their education at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan (Poland). The study was conducted twice: before and after the first year of study. Physical activity was determined by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - short version). Information about sex, place of living, frequency of smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol were collected using a questionnaire. Results. After the first year of study the percentage of smokers and drinkers did not change significantly. In both study periods significantly greater (p<0.001) percentage of men than women declare regular smoking and drinking alcohol. Physical activity does not differentiated significantly cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol. Place of living only in case of women is significant (p<0.05): a greater percentage of women living in larger cities regularly smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. Conclusions. The beginning of higher education and related lifestyle changes did not differentiate significantly habits of young people in cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol after the first year of studies. Physical activity does not differentiate significantly the frequency of smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol by men and women. Men declared more frequently regular smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. A larger proportion of regular smokers and drinkers were found among women living in major cities