The comparative analysis of health saving behaviours of junior and senior higher schools students

Over recent years we have seen declining health indexes of young people under 30, most of whom are students. In this context, the study of health saving behaviours as the main factor of strengthening the students' health is relevant. The attitude to nutrition is of top priority. Materials and Methods The article presents the materials of the studying peculiarities of the diet of junior and senior students. The comparative analysis of these materials has been made. The students of the first and the fifth year studying at Ogarev Mordovia State University were interviewed through the random sampling method. The sampled number of the first year students was 203 and of the fifth year students - 229 (1,1 % and 1,9 % respectively). Results The main source of the information about the optimal diet for a quarter of respondents is the media, especially advertising, one-fifth of all interviewed students get information about proper diet from their family members and friends, and only 16 % of young people consult with medical professionals and specialized literature. Discussion and Conclusions The results of the study indicate that a diet of students, in most cases, fails to meet the hygienic requirements of the optimal diet, their daily ration is carbohydrate and fat one, with insufficient quantity of animal protein, shortage of vitamins and minerals. Their predilection for tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages have been revealed. Mostly the diet of students is influenced by advertising, food preferences, but not by science-based recommendations.