The trends in subjective health and lifestyle of the first-year students from Kaunas universities between 2000 and 2017

The study was carried out in four Kaunas universities. In total, 689, 739 and 1062 randomly selected the first-year students participated. During the lectures, participants filled in the anonymous questionnaire. The trends in subjective health and lifestyle of the students have been evaluated over 17 years of study period. Majority of the students assessed their health as good. There was a reduction in a number of students who do not pay attention to their health. The positive changes in the nutrition habits of the students were observed: the consumption of red meat, sweets, confectionery and soft drinks decreased, while the consumption of poultry, porridge and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables increased. There was a decline in mean time students spent sitting. The proportion of the students involved in leisure time physical activity increased. The prevalence of an overweight and obesity increased, especially among men. The reduction in daily smoking was observed. The proportion of students drinking alcohol at least once a week declined. There was an increase of the proportion of students who have tried and are taking drugs