PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

The authors used a standardized questionnaire to survey 201 international and 193 German students at the University of Bielefeld, Germany. to determine differences in health practices between the 2 groups and to identify targets for health-promotion interventions. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that long-term female international students (those whose duration of residency in Germany was more than 2 years) had lower levels of physical activity and alcohol Consumption than their German counterparts and higher rates of smoking independently associated with international citizenship. Short-term international female students were less likely than German students to receive social support. Among men, long-term international student status was associated with daily smoking and inconsistent seat belt use, whereas short-term student status was associated with a lower rate of seat belt use, a higher level of perceived stress. and a healthier diet, compared with domestic students. Findings from the Study could give rise to health-promotion activities for international students at German universities: additional studies at other European universities are necessary before making further recommendations.