STUDENT HEALTH: FOUNDATION OF NATIONAL PROSPERITY

ABSTRACT

This article focuses on examining the health of student youth and its influence on the prosperity of the nation. The relevance of the topic is of paramount importance and shapes the culture of health among young people. It observes the physical education of students within the educational process. Additionally, the paper explores the correlation between student health and academic performance, as well as the societal and economic implications of promoting student well-being. Through empirical research and analysis, it aims to provide insights into effective strategies for enhancing student health and fostering a healthier and more prosperous society.

Keywords: student health, health, national prosperity, health culture, societal implications.

Health has always been considered the primary asset of an individual. If speaking loosely, health is viewed as a state in which a person is free from any illness. According to the WHO constitution, the following definition is interpreted: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" [3]. It's crucial to monitor one's health regularly, seeking timely treatment to prevent worsening conditions. By mitigating risk factors like smoking and obesity, individuals reduce susceptibility to illnesses. Regular medical check-ups enable early detection of issues and appropriate treatment. It's advised to undergo these exams annually or biannually. Everyone must prioritize their health. The younger generation, being socially impactful, shapes the nation's future cultural, economic, and labor landscape. Addressing student youth, it is essential to study their living and working conditions as it lays the foundation for leading a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, promoting a culture of health among the younger generation is essential for the overall well-being and prosperity of the nation. Educating student youth about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest, is crucial in preventing chronic diseases and fostering long-term health. Additionally, initiatives aimed at improving the living and working conditions of students, such as providing access to recreational facilities, promoting mental health awareness, and offering support services, can contribute to their overall well-being. Moreover, governmental and societal support plays a significant role in creating an environment conducive to health promotion. Policies and programs that prioritize preventive healthcare measures, provide affordable healthcare services, and promote healthy behaviors can empower individuals to take charge of their own health and reduce the burden of disease on the healthcare system.

Physical education fosters holistic student development. Regular sports enhance endurance and bodily strength. Good health facilitates efficient learning, positively impacting future careers. Balanced work-rest schedules prevent burnout and enhance productivity. Personal hygiene, balanced diets, and physical activity are essential. Avoiding harmful habits reduces disease risks. These conditions promote youth responsibility for psychological and physical well-being.

In 2013, a sociological study was conducted on the topic of "students' attitudes towards shaping a healthy lifestyle"[1]. During the study, it was found that out of 20 surveyed students, the majority did not have harmful habits, 40% of participants attended various sports sections, while another 40% did not engage in sports in their leisure time. In 2021, a research paper was presented at the scientific-practical conference titled "Students' Attitudes towards Shaping a Healthy Lifestyle" [2]. This work was based on a sociological survey involving 133 participants. The research results showed that 53% of respondents have a positive attitude towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle, 57% have harmful habits, and only 29% engage in sports in their free time. Through the study of various sources, we concluded that the majority of students from different educational institutions support the culture of a healthy lifestyle but have harmful habits. At the same time, there is a trend towards engaging in sports in everyday life. As part of writing the scientific article, we organized a sociological study to identify the dynamics of students' attitudes towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Through the method of social surveying, students of the Belgorod State National Research University were assessed regarding their attitude towards their health. The sociological study was conducted among students of the Institute of Earth Sciences, with a total of 55 respondents aged between 18 and 23 years old.

The first question of the survey asked respondents about their attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. The responses were divided as follows: 69% answered "Positive", 23% chose "Rather positive than negative", 8% marked "Neutral", and none of the participants selected "Negative". Based on the obtained data, it can be concluded that the overwhelming majority of surveyed students (92%) have a positive attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, factors associated with a healthy lifestyle were identified among the respondents. Among the popular responses, indicated regular physical activity was chosen by 71.2% of respondents, 54.8% indicated "Absence of harmful habits", and 51.3% noted "Good psychological state". The data is presented in Table 1.

Table 1

The definition of a healthy lifestyle by students

From the provided responses, it is evident that respondents correctly define the term "Health" without relying on societal stereotypes that health is merely the absence of illnesses.

We asked students if they lead a healthy lifestyle. The results of the responses indicate that 74.6% of respondents adhere to a healthy lifestyle, while the remaining 25.4% chose the option "no". We identified the reasons associated with the negative responses. The data is presented in Table 2.

Table 2

Factors hindering the adoption of a healthy lifestyle

Analyzing the summary of reasons hindering the adoption of a healthy lifestyle among students, several key observations can be highlighted.

The most common factor cited by respondents is a lack of time (45.6%). This indicates the high workload of students with studies, work, or other obligations, which prevents them from dedicating enough time to a healthy lifestyle. Irregular eating or an unbalanced diet is also considered a significant factor (32.7%). This may be due to limited access to healthy food or a lack of knowledge about healthy eating. Stressful lifestyle (27.4%) and a lack of motivation (21.8%) also play a significant role. Students may face high levels of stress due to studies, exams, or personal issues, which can hinder maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Lack of motivation may be related to unclear benefits of a healthy lifestyle or a lack of support from others. Financial constraints (15.9%) and peer influence (12.3%) are also important. Financial constraints may limit access to sports events, workouts, or healthy food. Peer influence may pressure students towards choosing unhealthy habits or reinforcing a healthy lifestyle. Finally, some students noted a lack of knowledge about healthy habits (18.5%). This may indicate the need for additional educational activities on healthy lifestyles for students.

Despite the data indicators, the majority of students still lead a healthy lifestyle. Based on this, we asked the following question: "What active methods do you use to maintain a healthy lifestyle?" The responses of the respondents are presented in Table 3.

Table 3

Active methods do you use to maintain a healthy lifestyle

Despite the data indicating obstacles to leading a healthy lifestyle, the majority of students still actively engage in maintaining their well-being. The responses to the question "What active methods do you use to maintain a healthy lifestyle?" reveal several key trends.

Significant proportion of students prioritize regular exercise or sports activities (68.2%), indicating a commitment to physical fitness. Healthy eating habits are prevalent among respondents, with 74.5% indicating a focus on nutrition as a means to support their health. Participation in outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling, is embraced by 56.7% of respondents, highlighting the value placed on outdoor recreation for physical and mental health. Substantial portion of students prioritize regular health check-ups (61.8%), indicating proactive measures to monitor and address any health concerns.

Avoidance of harmful habits, such as smoking and excessive drinking, is emphasized by 59.1% of respondents, reflecting awareness of the detrimental effects of such behaviors on health. Engagement in community or social activities is endorsed by 38.9% of students, underscoring the role of social support and connectedness in promoting well-being.

So, we observe that a significant majority of the surveyed students are educated in the field of physical culture. Many actively lead a healthy lifestyle, which is justified by the frequency of their physical activities and means of maintaining an active lifestyle. The health of young people is not just a factor characterizing their physical education; it is, above all, the foundation of civilization in society [4]. A healthy individual is more productive, self-aware, and oriented towards achieving their well-being. Popularizing a healthy lifestyle creates valuable benchmarks for a healthy nation.

References:

1. Буцыка Г.М. Отношение студентов к формированию здорового образа жизни // Образовательная социальная сеть URL: https://nsportal.ru/ap/library/drugoe/2021/03/15/issledovatelskaya-rabota-nauchno-prakticheskoy-konferentsii-otnoshenie (дата обращения: 14.02.2024).
2. Томских Е. Социологическое исследование на тему: “Отношение студентов к формированию здорового образа жизни” // Образовательная социальная сеть URL: https://nsportal.ru/shkola/klassnoe-rukovodstvo/library/2015/01/10/sotsiologicheskoe-issledovanie-na-temu-otnoshenie (дата обращения: 24.02.2024).
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4. Петров А. В. Здоровый образ жизни студенческой молодежи: современные тенденции и проблемы // Вестник Российского университета дружбы народов. Серия: Педагогика и психология образования. – 2019. – Т. 23. – № 2. – С. 234-241.