Students‘ attitudes towards the measures of healthy lifestyle promotion in Lithuania

Abstract

Abstract Background To ensure more resistant community in the future of humanity, the early life prevention within aging societies becomes very important. The new generation clearly expresses their needs and indicates the ways that are the most attractive for positive changes of healthy behavior. The aim of the study was to reveal school children's attitudes to different measures of healthy lifestyle promotion in Lithuania. Methods The data were collected from 380 12-19 years students from two high schools of the regional city by self-administered anonymous questionnaires. The relative frequencies and prevalence ratios were compared in groups by different sociodemographic categories. Chi squared and Fisher's exact tests were conducted to establish statistical significance which was set at p < 0.05. Confidence intervals were used for prevalence statistics. Results Internet was the main source for 63.2% of the sample. Healthy behavior promotion provided at the school was assessed positively by 76.8%. However, 50.3% of the students thought that there was no sufficient attention for nutrition, 36% - for drugs and alcohol prevention, 34.6% - for physical activity, 32.6% - for smoking prevention. They preferred more discussions on those topics during nature sciences lectures. The parents' key role in healthy habits was referred by 46.6% of respondents. That was more expressed if the child lived with both parents or if they were physically active, had no addictions. The tendency of healthy lifestyle promotion by famous people was evaluated critically, as more than half respondents considered them not having such competencies. The students had scarce awareness about the impact of the laws regulating the consumption of alcohol, smoking and drugs, although half of them supported stricter control. Conclusions The students emphasized internet, the school and the parents as the most important sources of information for promotion of healthy behavior. Key messages In era of technologies the internet is the most accessible and attractive source for information, particularly for new young generation. The children need relevant guidance from the schools and the parents to get the right information to manage their health properly and get resistance in future aging societies.