Towards a health-promoting university: biopsychosocial evaluation of students at UNAH-El Paraíso, 2023

Abstract

University life has a multidimensional impact on the holistic development of individuals. Initiatives such as the Health-Promoting Universities movement consider the processes and environments of higher education to be essential for fostering health and human well-being among all members of the university community. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the biological, psychological, and social profile of university students at a regional Honduran university center (UNAH-El Paraíso). This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, employing a non-experimental, descriptive design. The sample consisted of 899 participants (73% of the student population) from UNAH-El Paraíso during the year 2023, who completed the Survey of the Comprehensive Student Support Program (PAIE). This instrument integrates various analytical profiles through ad hoc indicators and internationally validated psychometric tools. The diagnostic results reveal findings and trends across different student profiles, including sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, academic background, physical and mental health, healthy lifestyle habits, and quality of life dimensions. Finally, the implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.