The survey series charts the physical, mental and social health of undergraduate students of higher education institutions in Finland. Other main themes include health-related behaviour and associated attitudes, social relationships, studies and financing studies, opinions on and the use of student health services. In addition to core questions, each survey contains questions on particular themes. Surveys are conducted by the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) at four-year intervals. Data collection began in the year 2000.
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.
Turku Polytechinc selected from its student register 250 basic degree students in each administrative unit. Respondents were chosen starting from those who had studied the longest. That is why the sample concentrated on third and fourth year students. Sample size was 999 students, out of which 406 were men and 593 women.
Follow-up mailings were sent three times. A total of 615 questionnaires were returned, two of them had to be rejected.