A Systematic Umbrella Review on the Epidemiology of Modifiable Health Influencing Factors and on Health Promoting Interventions Among University Students

Abstract

Background: Universities represent an important setting for health promotion. The unique collective of university students is of particular relevance since they are the leaders, decision-makers, and parents of tomorrow. In this context, modifiable health influencing factors as well as interventions to prevent these, play a crucial role. Therefore, the present umbrella review aims to (i) provide an overview of review articles addressing epidemiological issues (prevalence and determinants) of modifiable health influencing factors in university students and (ii) to provide an overview of review articles addressing the evidence of interventions to promote/enhance modifiable health influencing factors in university students. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in the databases PubMed, Cochrane Reviews Library und Web of Science according to the PRISMA guidelines. Only systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR-2-Tool was used for the quality assessment. Result: The initial search resulted in 10,726 records of which 81 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with a further distinction in articles with an epidemiological focus (n = 39) and in articles with interventional approaches (n = 42). Topics of the different review articles ranged from physical activity over mental health, substance use, sleep, diet and nutrition, and media consumption. Many review articles had a specific focus on medical and nursing students and originated from the U.S.A., U.K., or China. Discussion: This umbrella review provides an overview of review articles on the epidemiology of modifiable health influencing factors and on the evidence of interventions targeting these factors among university students. Thereby, experts as well as stakeholders in the field could gain insights into crucial target points for health promotion. It identifies research gaps in terms of study region and groups of students.

Engagement in Health Risk Behaviours before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in German University Students: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

“…Universities and higher education have been previously emphasized as appropriate and promising settings for the implementation of lifestyle interventions [ 47 , 48 ]. In Germany, several programs were developed for the prevention and reduction of certain risk behaviors among university students that may also be used during the pandemic.…”

Health Information Seeking Among University Students Before and During the Corona Crisis—Findings From Germany

“…Empirical data on the health information seeking of university students (in general as well as in particular in the corona crisis) is relevant for two main reasons: a) to identify potential health risks and health benefits of media use for this target group (and groups related to them) and b) to identify which channels are most suitable for addressing students when applying prevention and health promotion strategies. However, surveys focusing on student life and/or student health often do not take information seeking and media use into account ( 22 ). This is why rather little is known about the health information seeking of German university students in either a general or pandemic situation.…”

The Effect of Peer Education on Decision-Making, Smoking-Promoting Factors, Self-Efficacy, Addiction, and Behavior Change in the Process of Quitting Smoking of Young People

“…These programs held at the university provide leadership, coordination, program management, and guidance in the development of strategies in the field of school health. 6 , 7 While performing these roles, effective interpersonal communication techniques, motivational interview techniques, and theoretical elements that explain the behavior of individuals are used. Theory and models used for behavior change; Social Learning Theory, Health Belief Model, Planned Behavior Theory, Health Promotion Model, and Transtheoretical Model -TTM.…”

“…[4][5][6] Therefore, youthfriendly units that carry out health-promoting practices are of great importance to optimize the health of university students, who have a significant population. 6,7 To optimize the health of students, who will be carried out in youth-friendly units that undertake the school health of universities, there is a need for health-promoting programs (for example, smoking quit, gaining healthenhancing behavioral changes). 6,7 Health education and counseling in programs have an important place in popularizing smoking prevention and quitting strategies.…”