Health vulnerabilities: the diagnosis of freshmen from a portuguese university

The start of university is presented as a crucial stage in the life of the student. If, on the one hand, it is a period of increased autonomy and freedom, on the other, it is a period that also increases the sense of responsibility and self discipline. In this study, based on a quantitative approach, we identified the main risk situations experienced by freshmen at the University of Evora, by applying a questionnaire developed for this purpose and the Beck inventory. Key findings are highlighted, such as the consumption of harmful substances (tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs), whose values exceed the average population. The consumption of alcoholic beverages begins early and is continuous and excessive. Also, the presence of symptoms compatible with dysphoria and depression is noted in about 9% of students. Self-medication practices were found in 58.7% of the freshmen. Our findings reveal the need for preventive intervention by health professionals, due to these young people's great exposure to health risks.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mendes,Felismina, Lopes,Manuel José
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Programa de Pós Graduação em Enfermagem 2014
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-07072014000100074
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