Health provision to students in Russia in the past and today

Abstract

Currently, a significant increase in the drive to get higher education is noted among young people. After falling into new conditions, students experience changes in their lifestyle and quality of life, as well as training mode. They have trouble adjusting to the new social and cultural community. The study was aimed to study the students’ lifestyle, assess their health status, and compare the conditions of medical care provision to students in the past and today. The questionnaire survey involved 151 students (grades 1–3) of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University. The students noted changes in their sleep, diet, physical activity due to severe psychoemotional load arising from falling into new educational environment and exploring the higher education programs. Some students reported exacerbation of chronic diseases. The findings and the literature analysis make it possible to conclude that it is necessary to establish student outpatient clinics allowing for annual health screening.