Prediktori korišćenja sajtova i aplikacija o zdravlju među studentima medicine i sporta

Abstract

Introduction/Aim: The global digital network allows a fast exchange of information. Students of sports and medicine will be the future promoters of healthy behaviors. The study aim was to examine the use of health-related websites and apps among students of sports and medicine in their final undergraduate study year. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia, in the period April-October 2017. A total of 390 students (89 in sports and 301 in medicine) were recruited. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Students did not differ in terms of frequency of use of health-related websites (79.8% sport vs. 77.7% medicine; ch2 =0.167, p=0.771) and apps (39.3% sport vs. 49.2% medicine; ch2 =2.672, p=0.116). Fitness and diet were the most common topics that all students sought. A stronger influence of online health information on students' health-related decision-making was associated with the use of health-related websites in both groups of students. Additionally, medical students who used the Internet more often were also more likely to read health-related websites. In terms of apps, being female and using the Internet from a younger age was associated with the use of health apps among sports and medical students, respectively. Conclusion: Students of sports and medicine equally used health-related websites and smartphone apps. However, health-related websites were much more used compared to health-related apps. Of all health-related topics, they were most interested in fitness and diet.