Health Behaviors and Psychological Well-Being Among First-Year Psychology, Medicine, and Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding adolescent maturational development and its impact on physical and psychological well-being is essential for supporting the academic and professional growth of undergraduate students in Health Sciences programs (Psychology, Medicine, and Nursing). This study aimed to assess and compare self-concept, self-perception, physical activity, and lifestyle among first-year Health Sciences students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with first-year students at the University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain. Data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC). Variables included sex, age, study program, and body mass index (BMI). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability assessment (Cronbach's alpha), distribution tests, and chi-squared tests. Results: Among 190 participants, the RSES showed generally positive self-esteem, although 75% of students reported low self-confidence. Male Psychology students all scored in the fair range on self-perception. Physical activity was low, particularly among female students, with 20% classified as sedentary. HBSC results indicated the need for lifestyle improvements. SOC-13 scores showed that 80.5% of students had fair levels of sense of coherence. Conclusions: Health Sciences students exhibited low self-concept, emotional distress, sedentary habits, and inadequate lifestyle behaviors. Male Nursing students and female Psychology students had the poorest self-concept scores. The findings emphasize the need for interventions promoting healthy habits and emotional well-being among students entering health-related academic programs.