Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.21857/m16wjcwnv9

Behavioral Patterns and Their Contribution to Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Health in the Student Population

Sanja Ćurković orcid.org/0009-0007-9916-9234 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture *
Bojan Jelaković ; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine
Željko Jovanović orcid.org/0000-0003-0476-9303 ; Univerity of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

This study aims to examine behavioral patterns among university students, including dietary habits, physical activity, sedentary behavior, alcohol consumption and their association with cardio-kidney metabolic (CKM) health and risk. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,490 students in Croatia. The results indicate that a substantial proportion of students engage in health-risk behaviors, such as insufficient physical activity, prolonged sedentary time, and unhealthy eating patterns. Selfreported data revealed the presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 1 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and overweight within the student population. Gender-specific associations were observed: lower physical activity was linked to hypertension in males and to elevated lipid levels and overweight in females. Furthermore, poor dietary habits, smoking, and alcohol use were significantly associated with certain health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of early identification and intervention targeting risky behaviors in student populations to prevent future CKM complications.

Keywords

behavioral patterns, cardio-kidney-metabolic health, physical activity, sedentary behav ior, dietary habits, alcohol consumption, student health, risk factors

Hrčak ID:

333435

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/333435

Publication date:

25.6.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 832 *