Health behavior among foreign students studying medicine in Krakow

Introduction. Health behaviors are actions taken to prevent the disease or they are directed to improve health and its forms. Healthy
behaviors include: no smoking cigarettes, moderate in drinking alcohol, an adequate number of sleeping hours per day, regular exercises,
maintaining proper weight, avoid snacks between meals and regular breakfasts. Some authors also include to health behaviors the coping
and exchange self-efficacy as an important part of having a direct relationship with health.

Aim of the study. The aim of this study was to diagnose health behaviors of foreign students studying medicine in Krakow.

Material and methods. To achieve the aim of this study, authors used a method of diagnostic survey and the following research tools like:
the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, the Baecke’s questionnaire of Customary Physical Activity, the Fagerström Test
for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) authoring questionnaire. To provide the full anonymity of research, the tools had been sent through the
internet. After completing a questionnaire, research tools were sent back to the mail box created for this research (for 30 days). The results
of research were statistically analyzed using the tests: x², Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman. Studies have been conducted from 2nd February to 3rd
March 2009 among 111 foreign students studying at the Collegium Medicum of Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Medicine at the Medical
School for Foreigners.

Results. The surveyed students try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, healthy nutrition and physical activity. Almost half of respondents took
drugs at least once in their life, more than half of them drank alcohol once a week. 12% of students smoke cigarettes every day, among of this
group, almost 70% of respondents are highly addicted to nicotine. Most of the students was characterized by high level of self-efficacy and
the average level of stress. The study showed that there is significant statistic relation between BMI and the level of the respondents selfefficacy
and some of health behaviors among students. The value of BMI is lower among students coming to class on foot, students who do
a lot of sports regularly, and students who eat 4-5 meals during a day, as well as among people consuming more fruits, vegetables and plants
trenches. People who don’t take drugs, and users who regularly consuming meals show higher level of self-efficacy. When the level of stress
is going down self-efficacy is going up in direct proportion.

Conclusions. The presented results showed comparable levels of perceived stress by the tested students, raising self-efficacy of tested
students, undertaking promotional and educational activities concerning the dangers of drugs among the students, helping students considered
highly addicted to nicotine, undertaking research on health behaviors among Polish medical students.

Nursing Topics 2011; 19 (1): 55–62