FSD2098 Turku Polytechnic Student Health Survey 2000
Detailed description (collection | citation | publications)Authors
Kunttu, Kristina (Finnish Student Health Service)
Huttunen, Teppo (Clinical Research Services Turku)
Keywords: accidents, alcohol use, attitudes, diet and nutrition, education, financial circumstances, health, health behaviour, health services, interpersonal relations, mental health, oral health, physical activities, polytechnic students, smoking, sources of health information, students
The health survey of polytechnic students charted respondents' health, and factors influencing their health. Questions covered general state of health, possible illnesses and injuries, and use of medication. Mental health was investigated with the help of GHQ12 (General Health Questionnaire) and a screen test created by psychologist Salli Saari. The screen test focused on respondents' relationships to their parents and friends, their sexuality, and strengths and skills.
Health behaviour was examined with questions pertaining to smoking, drug and alcohol use, nutrition and exercise. In relation to alcohol use, respondents were asked how much and how often they drink alcohol, and whether drinking has ever prevented them from doing something planned or caused an accident. The questionnaire included an AUDIT-test (Alcohol Disorder Test). Nutritional habits were investigated with questions about respondents' consumption of dairy and grain products, fruits, berries, vegetables, and sugary and fatty products. Respondents were also asked whether they were on a special diet. They evaluated their own state of health. Participation in sports as well as the frequency of brushing teeth, using dental floss and eating xylitol chewing gum were charted.
Respondents were asked about feelings of loneliness and level of social interaction. In regard to studies, respondents assessed whether their area of study was right for them, when they were going to graduate, who had given them study guidance and how satisfied they had been with the guidance. Respondents' financial circumstances and participation in paid employment were studied.
Attitudes to health issues were charted by asking whether there should be legislation regulating smoking in the workplace, alcohol selling in retail shops, cannabis use, or alcohol use in public places etc. Respondents were asked whether health professionals had advised them to change their lifestyle, and whether the doctor's instructions had helped them to do so. The most important sources of health-related information were also surveyed.
Finally, respondents' use of health services was investigated. Visits to student, occupational, military, public or private health service units were studied, and respondents evaluated the quality of service and care they had received. Need for the help of health services in certain issues (e.g. stress management, self-esteem and nutrition) was charted. Background variables included respondent's gender, marital status, number of children, year of birth, year of beginning studies, and area of study.
