The ‘Bill of Health’ implemented in 73 universities, measured different physical health indices of 87,000 students in the previous academic year (started Sep. 23, 2014), said Hamid Yaghubi, head of health and consultation office at the Students Affairs Department.
The results of the survey on the state of health of students showed that unfortunately 40% of students “lack a regular sleep pattern,” said Yaghubi. Their lifestyle and too much use of the Internet and social media networks have endangered students’ health. “Over one-fourth spend more than 4 hours a day on computers, a rate that has increased from the previous year.”
In addition, over 20% (mostly girls) have no physical exercise. They prefer not to eat breakfast or in most cases suffice with “one meal for two days.” Only 50% of the students eat wholesome breakfast, he said, adding that: “Bad eating habits are problematic for the young generation.”
Other Results
The survey also revealed that around 15% of boys do not brush their teeth and 18% “spend some time on their teeth. Oral health care is less among boys.”
Other results showed that 5% of male and 7% of female students suffer from chronic headaches. Also muscular and skeletal disorders are common. “Although heart disease rate is about 1%, seemingly a low figure, but for young university students, it is considered risky.”
The research results showed anemia is 4% among boys and 9% among girls, and the rate of diabetes was reported to be less than half a percent.
Weight Problems
Only 60% of university students have “healthy weight.” The health of girls shows that 22% are overweight and 11.5% are underweight. Obesity is 4% among girls but 7% in boys. Also the rate of being underweight among male students is higher.
Summarizing the results, he said: “About 80% of the students are considered normal and healthy, 6% are reported to be under treatment and 14% need healthcare.”
The results of the research were presented at the 3rd Health Conference attended by heads of healthcare centers of universities and educational institutions at AmirKabir University from May 4-6.
