SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS DETERMINING THE HEALTH STATE OF YOUTH STUDENTS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

One of the bases of sustainable development of mankind is the health of the young generation. The priority of this issue is especially important in the perspective of European integration processes in Ukraine. Youth is an important component of the human resource that every state should take care of. Preserving, restoring and improving the psycho-physiological condition of young people is the key to the survival and further progress of mankind. The purpose of our research is to analyze the importance of individual factors and their combinations that can affect the health of students. Analysis, synthesis and modeling methods were used to study the state of research. The results of our research were carried out with the help of empirical methods: pedagogical observation, questionnaires, interviews, testing, the method of experimental evaluations. Mathematical statistics methods were used to process the research results. This study explores the social and environmental factors affecting the health of university students in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle among youth. The research highlights the role of education in shaping health culture, noting gaps in the current system's approach to instilling necessary attitudes toward health. The study draws on data from student health assessments and reveals a high prevalence of chronic diseases, especially among students from radiation-contaminated areas. The investigation further examines the genetic and immunological markers influencing students' health, finding that prolonged stress, radiation exposure, and physical inactivity significantly impact immune responses. Additionally, the research explores the link between thyroid and lipid metabolism issues and students' exposure to ionizing radiation. The findings suggest that moderate physical activity and immunomodulators may help mitigate stress-induced immunosuppression. The study concludes that addressing these social and environmental health determinants is critical for improving the well-being of Ukrainian youth and calls for tailored physical education programs and preventive health measures.