Factors influencing the water consumption behaviors of the medical students at Inonu University

Abstract

Abstract:In this study, the purpose is to determine the water consumption behaviors of Faculty of Medicine students at Inonu University, and to compare these behaviors with some socio-demographical properties. Method: This study was organized in cross-sectional design, and was conducted on 431 students in April 2016 with face-to-face interview method. The questionnaire form consisted of two parts. In the Factor Query part of the questionnaire, there were questions that interrogated the water consumption habits of the students and their socio-demographic properties; and in the Phenomenon Query Part of the study, the Water Consumption Behaviors Scale (WCBS) consisting of 16 items was included. The minimum point that could be received from the scale, which was evaluated in five sub-categories, was 16, and the maximum point was 80. Results: 48,4% of the participants were male; and 51,6% were female. 15,7% consumed water less than one litter a day; 39% consumed between 1-1,5 liter; 24,9% consumed between 1,5-2 liter, 13,8% consumed between 2-2,5 liter; and 6,5% consumed between 2,5-3 liter a day. The average point received from the water consumption scale (47.12±10.13) was as much as 59% of the total points. Conclusions: It was found in the study that the daily water consumption of the students from Faculty of Medicine was inadequate, and the behavior norms of these students that covered the areas like water management, water pollution, and the conscious of taking the personal and social responsibility were at medium level