Health-Promoting and Sustainable Behavior in University Students in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Study

Andrea Weber (), Katharina Kroiss, Lydia Reismann, Petra Jansen, Gunther Hirschfelder, Anja M. Sedlmeier, Michael J. Stein, Patricia Bohmann, Michael F. Leitzmann and Carmen Jochem
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Andrea Weber: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Katharina Kroiss: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Lydia Reismann: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Petra Jansen: Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Gunther Hirschfelder: Faculty of Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Anja M. Sedlmeier: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Michael J. Stein: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Patricia Bohmann: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Michael F. Leitzmann: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Carmen Jochem: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: Health-promoting and sustainable behaviors, such as active transportation and sustainable diets, are associated with positive effects on human health and the environment. In order to unlock the potential of university students as key actors and multipliers, it is of interest to investigate their level of knowledge about the health effects of climate change and their willingness toward and implementation of health-promoting and sustainable behaviors. In November 2021, an online survey was conducted among students at the University of Regensburg, Germany. A total of 3756 participants (response rate 18%; mean age 23 years; 69% women) provided valid data. A large proportion of medical students (48%) considered themselves well-informed about the health-related effects of climate change, while only a small proportion (22%) of students within economic/computer/data sciences and law felt informed. Most participants knew about the impact of climate change on malnutrition (78%), but considerably fewer were aware of its impact on cardiovascular diseases (52%). Participants who considered themselves informed were consistently more willing to engage in climate-friendly behavior, and this willingness was also reflected in their actions, as they simultaneously promoted a healthy lifestyle. Across all academic disciplines, there is a strong need for knowledge transfer regarding topics that combine health and sustainable development.

Keywords: health promotion; sustainability; active transport; sustainable diet; university setting; climate-specific health literacy; co-benefits; planetary health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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