Healthy Lifestyles of University Students, According to Demographics, Nationality, and Study Specialty With Special Reference to Sport Studies

Abstract

This study compares lifestyles behavior in Italian and Latvian university students, with special reference to sport students, to assess if there are differences for sex, age, university, or studies specialties. An online questionnaire investigating healthy lifestyle habits and 8 wellness dimensions has been compiled by 156 students (43.6% females) from Italy and 105 from Latvia (82.9% females). Answers were collected between April and December 2020. Presence of smokers in our sample is negligible. The questionnaire showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.929). On the total group, statistically significant differences were found in all the dimensions regarding age, sex, study specialty and university. Physical activity was associated with healthier lifestyles choices. Geographical differences were found (eating and sleep behaviors, alcohol awareness) as well as socio-economic differences. Female students shown to be more stressed than males. Occupational wellness increased by age. Sport students shown more health awareness. Many of the differences found between males and females in the total group disappeared when comparing only sport students of the two universities.