Health As a Value in University Students

OBJECTIVES: Values influence our everyday choices. Health is one of the core values. The preferences that emerge from the ranking of individual values refer to mental and behavioral characteristics and differences. The health status of a society is important, so a healthy youth is a worthwhile investment for Hungarian society. The education system also plays a major formative role in transmitting value hierarchies, even across generations. Our main aim is to demonstrate the role of values in improving health, thus demonstrating the importance of health education in education and training institutions.

METHODS: Our data collection method was questionnaire, using a validated attitude questionnaire (IRVS Value List, WHO WBI-5), extended with own questions, completed by 380 people in total. Data were processed using SPSS 24.0 statistical software. Differences were considered significant at p<0.05.

RESULTS: Health ranked first (4.83) for importance and third (4.16) for implementation. Wilcoxon signed rank test results show that the importance of the value system is significantly more frequent (T = 54851 Z = -12.310 p < .000 (1-tailed) r = .631) (Mdn = 108) than the implementation of values (Mdn = 99), respondents care about values but do not act on them. After principal component analysis, one of the strongest data sets was the "Importance of Health Value", with the strongest value set being health (4.82), but also including the values of joy of life (4.66), happiness (4.76), harmony (4.58), contentment (4.56), pleasure (4.20), kindness (4.64) and family (4.77).

CONCLUSIONS: Education for healthier lifestyles should be promoted and preferred, regardless of age, taking into account needs and circumstances. We consider it important to develop a preventive approach and to create an inclusive educational environment.