IRRESPONSIBLE HYGIENIC BEHAVIOR AS A RISK FACTOR FOR STUDENT HEALTH

Abstract

Aim. This paper aims to verify the hypothesis that there is an insufficient regulatory framework for establishing unified rules and norms of hygienic behavior and, consequently, that there are multiple health risk factors among student youth due to their irresponsible hygienic practices. Materials and methods. This paper employs technical-legal and review-analytical approaches. The results of a student survey provide the empirical foundation of this study. This survey aimed to identify irresponsible hygienic behavior as a health risk among youth. The survey results were subject to analysis, synthesis, generalization, and comparison. Results. In Russia, there is a lack of unified sanitary standards regulating safe hygienic be­havior among student youth. Our survey identified insufficient awareness and implementation of personal hygiene knowledge. This results in sleep deficiency that is not compensated for on weekends; a tight student schedule resulting from their striving to combine education, work, and personal development; a lack of rest time on weekends or a predominance of passive leisure activities; and irresponsible medical behavior, manifested in self-treatment and attending classes while ill. Conclusion. Unified requirements for hygienic behavior among student youth should be established at the regulatory level. Introducing a model of responsible hygienic behavior requires the inclusion of a specialized discipline, aimed at developing competencies in hygienic literacy as a health-preserving technology of a healthy lifestyle.