HEALTH BELIEFS AND SELECTED LIFESTYLE COMPONENTS AMONG ADOLESCENTS STUDYING IN VOCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL PRE-TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2786-7684/2025-3-16Keywords:
students, motivation, health awareness, physical activity, balanced nutrition, alcohol consumptionAbstract
Introduction. The issue of preserving and strengthening health has gained particular relevance in recent years due to the widespread prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Adolescence is a critical period for acquiring knowledge, forming beliefs, and establishing habits. In order to develop and implement effective preventive measures for adolescents, it is important to take into account their health knowledge, beliefs, behaviours, personally relevant topics, and the most appropriate approaches to fostering behaviours. Objective of the study. To determine and analyse the level of awareness and beliefs regarding a healthy lifestyle, as well as the actual behaviours of students enrolled in professional pre-tertiary and vocational education institutions; and to identify the need for initiatives aimed at improving health awareness and motivation for a healthy lifestyle. Materials and methods. The study was based on the results of an anonymous survey of 606 students in professional pre-tertiary and vocational education institutions. The following methods were used: sociological, statistical, and generalisation techniques. Research results and discussion. The study revealed a discrepancy between students’ knowledge, beliefs, and adherence to healthy practices. Although 94.4±0.9% of respondents were aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, only 80.7±1.6% truly believed in its effectiveness, and an even smaller proportion – 52.3±2.0% – reported actually adhering to healthy habits. While the majority of respondents reported abstaining from nicotine and alcohol, a significant share admitted to the occasional or regular use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in various forms. Conclusions. Greater attention should be given to raising awareness of healthy lifestyles, creating supportive conditions and increasing adolescents’ motivation to incorporate healthy practices. For preventive efforts to be effective, it is essential to actively involve physicians and parents and to adapt educational materials to formats that are attractive to teenagers.
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