CHANGES IN HEALTH SELF-ASSESSMENT, ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR, AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN FIRST-YEAR AND FINAL-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Aim. This study examines changes in the psychophysical profiles of medical students during their university training. Materials and methods. The authors analyzed psychophysical changes in 53 first- and final-year medical university students. The students also underwent psychological testing, including the Voitenko’s Health Self-Assessment Scale and the Telepova’s addictive behavior diagnostic tool. Results. The study demonstrates significant increases in anthropometric parameters, decreases in respiratory rate and motor skills, and improved health self-assessment among final-year students. Students were segregated into two distinct groups with a 2:1 ratio: a non-addictive majority and a minority showing individual signs of addictive behavior. Conclusion. The study identified concerning declines in the physical well-being of senior students. While final-year students demonstrated improved self-rated health compared to first-year students, addictive behavior indicators remained consistently low throughout academic life. However, the observed negative trends in psychophysical health are likely to worsen with age, potentially compromising both personal well-being and professional performance.