MORBIDITY ASSESSMENT ACCORDING TO GENDER IN GEORGIAN STUDENTS

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Student Health
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Student populations often display distinct health profiles based on gender.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the distribution of student morbidity and behavioral health risk factors stratified by gender.
• To identify gender-specific health patterns in Georgian university students.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 766 Georgian students (347 males, 419 females) aged 15-35.
• Data collected via interviews on symptoms, stress, exercise, nutrition, and health habits.

Main Results:

• Female students showed a positive correlation with good academic performance (r=0.228, p<0.0001).
• Male students had increased odds of weight gain (OR=1.70) and sexually transmitted diseases (OR=9.86), and decreased odds of weight loss (OR=0.38) and respiratory disease (OR=0.35).
• During exams, women reported higher frequencies of headache and appetite loss compared to men.

Conclusions:

• Significant gender disparities exist in student health, morbidity, and behavioral risk factors.
• Female students generally exhibit healthier habits and better academic correlation.
• Targeted health strategies addressing gender-specific risks are recommended for university students.