Lifestyle, health behavior, and oral health differences among dentistry, nutrition, and fine arts university students.

Nutrition students exhibited the healthiest physical activity and dietary profiles among the three student groups.

• 60% of Nutrition students reported ≥2-3 hours/week of exercise
• Nutrition students had higher daily fruit and vegetable intake compared to Dentistry and Fine Arts students
• Differences among degree programs in physical activity were statistically significant (p < 0.05)
• Sample included 32 Nutrition students aged 18-30 years

Dentistry students demonstrated the best self-perceived oral health and greatest brushing frequency among the three groups.

• Dentistry students reported the highest brushing frequency compared to Nutrition and Fine Arts students
• Dentistry students had the best self-perceived oral health ratings
• Differences in oral health variables among degree programs were statistically significant (p < 0.05)
• Sample included 115 Dentistry students, the largest group in the study

Fine Arts students exhibited higher sedentary behavior and poorer dietary and oral hygiene habits compared to the other student groups.

• Fine Arts students showed higher sedentary behavior than Dentistry and Nutrition students
• Fine Arts students had poorer dietary habits relative to other degree programs
• Fine Arts students had poorer oral hygiene habits relative to other degree programs
• Sample included 18 Fine Arts students, the smallest group in the study

Significant differences among degree programs were found in physical activity, diet, and oral health variables.

• Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05
• Chi-square (χ2) and ANOVA tests were applied according to variable type
• The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design conducted between June and July 2025
• The final sample included 165 students (115 Dentistry, 32 Nutrition, and 18 Fine Arts) aged 18-30 years at ADEMA University School, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on multiple lifestyle and health behavior domains.

• The questionnaire was adapted from World Health Organization instruments and the ENALIA study
• Variables collected included sociodemographic variables, physical activity level, screen time, dietary habits, tobacco and alcohol use, and oral hygiene practices
• The study was approved by the Balearic Islands Research Ethics Committee (IB 5691/24 PI)
• Data collection occurred between June and July 2025

University education appears to influence the adoption of healthy habits, with academic degree associated with differing health behaviors.

• Students from health-related degrees (Dentistry, Nutrition) showed healthier profiles than Fine Arts students
• The authors recommend health promotion programs integrating oral health as an essential component of overall well-being
• The authors note that university students' lifestyle habits influence their general and oral health in the medium and long term
• The study aimed to identify differences that may guide future preventive interventions