Naive theories and misconceptions related to health based on a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to survey the health misconceptions and their sources in higher education students studying educational, sociological, and health sciences. We also investigated their health concept and the associations relating to ‘health’. Our research is the first stage of a planned large-scale survey on the health misconceptions of future educators.
Methods: The sample consisted of 68 participants. The anonymous, self-administered questionnaire contained open-ended questions referring to the participants’ understanding of health, as well as multiple-choice questions on health misconceptions, together with background socio-demographic questions. Data analysis was done with the help of the SPSS statistical package. Based on the present study we would like to carry out large-scale research among university students studying education. We expect the participation of 1000 respondents.
Results: From among the holistic health dimensions the predominance of the physical health characterizes the respondents’ perceptions of health. According to the means of scores, they correctly considered lifestyle playing the most important role in the promotion of their health. From among the 37 given health statements misconceptions appeared in 23 cases (62%). The main source of their health misconceptions were the media and their family members.
Conclusions: Studying the health concept, health misconceptions, and their sources among future teachers are very important, as educators have an immediate effect on the health concept of children and young people.