Healthy lifestyles in university students: application of Dorothea Orem's self-care theory

Abstract

This study addresses the promotion of healthy lifestyles among Law students at the Regional Autonomous University of the Andes (UNIANDES), Tulcán campus, Ecuador, using Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory. The objective was to develop strategies based on this theory to foster self-care practices that improve the students' overall well-being. A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach was used, applying structured questionnaires to a representative sample of 114 students. The results showed a high prevalence of unhealthy habits: 45% regularly consume processed foods, only 33.7 % include enough fruits and vegetables in their diet, and 45 % do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Furthermore, 56 % sleep less than necessary, 50 % do not consume the adequate amount of water, and 64 % report high levels of academic stress. Regarding physical health, 61 % of women do not have an ideal weight, and 48 % present an elevated abdominal perimeter. Finally, 40 % do not undergo preventive medical check-ups. These findings highlight the urgent need to implement specific health promotion programs within the university environment. It is concluded that the application of Orem's theory can be effective in designing personalized interventions that optimize self-care and improve the quality of life of university students.