Prevalence of bad habits among students of the institutions of higher medical education and ways of counteraction

Abstract

Introduction: The relevance of scientific research is determined by the significant importance of lifestyle in preserving and strengthening the health of the population especially young people what determines the future of any society. Among the numerous youth lifestyle characteristics, particular attention is paid to behavioral factors, including the presence of bad habits. Data of scientific publications indicate a significant prevalence in student environment of tobacco-smoking, consumption of alcohol and other manifestations of unhealthy behavior, which are powerful factors of the risk of developing non-communicable diseases, injuries and other health disorders. One of the most important tasks is the formation and establishment of a healthy lifestyle among medical students, because in the future they will not only treat patients, but also carry out professional activities for the prevention of diseases and risk factors for their development, correcting and overcoming already existing risk factors. Doctors must be conscious supporter of healthy lifestyle and serve as a role model for their patients. The aim: To identify the features of prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol and energy drinks among medical students and justify ways of counteraction based on the results of own sociological research, scientific literature, WHO program and strategic documents.