Self-rated health, BMI, blood pressure, and perceived health needs of first year students at a Middle-Eastern medical university

摘要

Several studies have reported that young people consider psycho-social health variables as the basis for rating their health. Overall perceived health probably refers to general well-being and the satisfaction of young people in their ability to fulfill their expected roles in society (Koivusilta et al., 1998). Psychological, illness, psychosomatic, and physical activity behaviors contributed significantly to the self-perception of health (Piko, 2000). Since no such information was available regarding entry year students at a medical university in this region, a cross-sectional survey was conducted at Gulf Medical University. A self administered questionnaire was used to assess self-rated health and perceived health needs. Height, weight, and blood pressure were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated.