Developing Health Culture in University Students

As the number of young people with health problems keeps growing, health awareness is becoming an important part of university education. Research Methods: The target online survey covered 240 students of the Bashkir State Pedagogical University, aged 18–19, before and after the experiment. Students’ daily diets were assessed using the 24-hour recall method for 20 nutrients at the ascertainment and control stages. A biochemical analysis of blood serum made it possible to confirm the impact of diet on objective health indicators. The data obtained during the ascertainment stage revealed that students tended to value personal success and professional achievements over their health. The daily diet assessment demonstrated a deficiency in carbohydrates, calcium, vitamin C, and iron (in female students), which was confirmed by laboratory tests, including magnesium. These findings highlighted the need to foster a healthy culture among the younger generation, which was implemented as a pilot academic course, Student Health Care. Together with lectures on a healthy diet, the course included lifestyle self-assessment and self-monitoring of health parameters, such as nutrition, physical development, and adaptive capacity. The research employed three patented computer programs and three databases registered with the Federal Institute of Industrial Property.