Lifestyles of university students: analyzing the role of social support and family dynamics
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Youth is a critical stage for developing healthy lifestyles, as the habits and behaviors formed during this period can persist into adulthood. Understanding the relationship between family factors and the lifestyles of university students can contribute to creating strategies to improve this important health determinant. This research aimed to analyze the relationship between social support, family dynamics, and lifestyles in young university students. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study. METHODS: A probability sample of 530 young university students was analyzed. The main measurements included social support, family dynamics, and lifestyles. Descriptive analysis of quantitative and qualitative variables was performed. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for bivariate analysis, and Student's t-test was used to analyze differences between male and female participants. Additionally, multivariate analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: For the total sample, a positive and moderate association was found between family dynamics (r = 0.28) and social support (r = 0.32) with the lifestyles of young individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that social support and family dynamics are possible protective factors that have a positive effect on the lifestyles of university students. The findings of this study highlight the importance of family and familial support in adopting healthy lifestyles among university students.
Source: BMC Public Health
Institutions: Universidad de Jaén, University of Aveiro
Language: English
Topic: Health and Lifestyle Studies
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W4405510614