Front. Public Health Frontiers in Public Health Front. Public Health 2296-2565 Frontiers Media S.A. 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1764709 Original Research Lifestyle, health behavior, and oral health differences among dentistry, nutrition, and fine arts university students Coll Campayo Irene 1 2 * Methodology Investigation Writing – review & editing Software Writing – original draft Servera Fuster Maria 1 Methodology Investigation Writing – review & editing López-Safont Nora 1 2 3 Methodology Supervision Writing – review & editing Faculty of Dentistry, University ADEMA School, Palma, Spain ADEMA-Health Group, University Institute for Research in Health Sciences (IUNICS), Palma, Spain Biology Department, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain Correspondence: Irene Coll Campayo, i.coll@eua.edu.es 20 02 2026 2026 14 1764709 10 12 2025 12 01 2026 26 01 2026 Copyright © 2026 Coll Campayo, Servera Fuster and López-Safont. 2026 Coll Campayo, Servera Fuster and López-Safont https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Background/Objectives

University students' lifestyle habits influence their general and oral health in the medium and long term. This study compared physical activity, dietary habits, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and oral hygiene practices among students of Dentistry, Nutrition, and Fine Arts, aiming to identify differences that may guide future preventive interventions.

 Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2025 at the ADEMA University School (Palma de Mallorca, Spain). The final sample included 165 students (115 Dentistry, 32 Nutrition, and 18 Fine Arts) aged 18–30 years. A validated self-administered questionnaire, adapted from World Health Organization instruments and the ENALIA study, was used to collect sociodemographic variables, physical activity level, screen time, dietary habits, tobacco and alcohol use, and oral hygiene practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; χ2 and ANOVA tests were applied according to variable type, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The study was approved by the Balearic Islands Research Ethics Committee (IB 5691/24 PI).

 Results

Nutrition students exhibited the healthiest profiles: 60% reported ≥2–3 h/week of exercise and higher daily fruit and vegetable intake. Dentistry students showed the best self-perceived oral health and the greatest brushing frequency. Fine Arts students exhibited higher sedentary behavior and poorer dietary and oral hygiene habits. Significant differences among degree programs were found in physical activity, diet, and oral health variables (p < 0.05).

 Conclusions

Relevant differences in lifestyle and health behaviors were observed according to academic degree. University education appears to influence the adoption of healthy habits; therefore, health promotion programs integrating oral health as an essential component of overall well-being are recommended.

 dietary habits health behaviors health promotion lifestyle oral health physical activity university students The author(s) declared that financial support was received for this work and/or its publication. This study received financial support from the ADEMA+ Foundation. The funder had no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation of results, or writing of the manuscript. section-at-acceptance Public Health Education and Promotion Introduction

University is a key period for developing lifestyle habits that influence health over time. Throughout these years, young people have gained autonomy in their routines, diet, and self-care, which can promote both the adoption of healthy practices and the persistence of risky behaviors (1, 2). Several studies have shown that university students exhibit various health behaviors depending on their environment, field of study, or gender, making this group a priority target for health promotion. In addition, the transition to university life is often accompanied by an increase in sedentary behavior, dietary changes, and less overall self-care, particularly as it relates to oral and mental health (3, 4).

The main determinants of general and oral health include diet, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, and oral hygiene habits (5–8).

Several studies have indicated that health-related behaviors vary according to gender and academic field (2, 9). In particular, students enrolled in health science programs tend to show increased awareness of prevention and healthier practices than those in non-health disciplines (10). This disparity may be influenced by the inclusion of content on well-being and prevention in the curriculum, as well as by the perception of the professional role as a health promoter.

Oral health is an essential component of overall well-being and an important indicator of quality of life (7, 11). Current scientific evidence considers oral health an essential component of overall well-being and a marker of social inequalities in health. The lack of proper hygiene habits, in addition to dietary and behavioral factors, can contribute to pathologies that affect quality of life, even in apparently healthy young people. However, oral health typically receives less attention in university health promotion programs (12, 13). Moreover, oral health is closely related to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and its deterioration can have physical, psychological, and social repercussions (7, 10). In the local context, recent studies of children and adolescents in Mallorca have underscored the link between lifestyle habits, excess weight, and oral health, highlighting the role of diet, screen time, and physical activity in the development of oral diseases (14–16). However, oral health remains an underrepresented aspect of university health promotion programs, despite its fundamental role in preventing chronic diseases and improving quality of life (16).

In recent years, various national and international institutions have promoted the concept of “Healthy Universities,” encouraging the creation of academic settings that facilitate healthy lifestyles and integrate physical, mental, and social health into the university community (17). In Spain, the Spanish Network of Health Promoting Universities (Red Española de Universidades Promotoras de Salud- REUPS) has adopted this approach, including aspects such as balanced nutrition, physical activity, and oral health in its priority lines of action (18).

In this respect, the university provides an ideal setting for promoting healthy habits and integrating oral health into a holistic conception of well-being. Analyzing lifestyle and health behavior differences among students in different degree programs makes it possible to identify specific needs and design more effective and equitable education strategies. This study compares the general and oral health habits of Dentistry, Nutrition, and Fine Arts students to identify distinctive patterns that can inform future preventive interventions in the university setting.

 Materials and methods Study design

An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted to analyze and compare lifestyles, general health habits, and oral health among university students pursuing different undergraduate degrees. The design followed the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) for research on health-related behaviors (19).

 Scope and study population

The study was conducted at the ADEMA University School, affiliated with the University of the Balearic Islands (Palma de Mallorca, Spain), during the 2024–2025 academic year. The target population was students enrolled in the Dentistry, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and Fine Arts degree programs.

 Sample and selection criteria

The final sample consisted of 165 students: 115 in Dentistry (69.7%), 32 in Nutrition (19.4%), and 18 in Fine Arts (10.9%). Participants were selected through non-probabilistic sampling, and the following inclusion criteria were applied:

Be enrolled in one of the three aforementioned degree programs.

Be between 18 and 30 years of age (the upper age limit was extended to include students older than 30 years, reflecting the increasing presence of non-traditional and mature students in contemporary university populations).

Agree to participate voluntarily by providing written informed consent.

Questionnaires that were incomplete or contained inconsistent answers were excluded.

 Study variables

The variables analyzed were grouped into the following blocks:

Sociodemographic variables: age (years), gender (male, female, other), degree studied (Dentistry, Nutrition, Fine Arts), academic year, and area of residence (rural, urban, suburban).

Physical activity and sedentary behavior: average daily hours of physical activity per week, type of exercise, frequency of exercise, active transportation (walking or cycling), and daily screen time (TV, computer, cell phone/tablet) during the week and on weekends.

Eating and dietary habits: number of meals per day, snacking between meals, frequency of consumption of healthy foods (fruit, raw and cooked vegetables, whole wheat bread, cereals) and unhealthy foods (pastries, snacks, French fries, sugary drinks, and energy drinks), as well as intake of fresh meat, milkshakes, and coffee.

Oral health: frequency of tooth brushing (times/day), type of toothbrush (manual, electric, interdental), use of dental floss, fluoride toothpaste, and mouthwash; self-perception of dental and gum health (excellent, very good, good, normal, poor, don't know); experience of oral pain in the last 12 months and reason for the last visit to the dentist (pain, conservative treatment, tartar removal, check-up, don't know).

 Data collection tool

The information was obtained using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, developed based on WHO guidelines for health surveys (13) and the National Survey on Food Consumption Among Children and Young People (Encuesta Nacional de Consumo de Alimentos en Población Infantil y Juvenil - ENALIA) (20).

The questionnaire underwent expert review by specialists in public health and preventive dentistry, followed by pilot testing with 15 students to confirm the clarity and consistency of its items. The internal consistency of the instrument was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, with a value of 0.81, indicating adequate reliability for use in the university population (21).

Participants completed the questionnaire under the in-person supervision of the research team, ensuring that they understood the questions and that the quality of their responses was high.

 Procedure

Data were collected between June and July 2025. The questionnaires were distributed in digital format and completed anonymously and voluntarily. Before participating, students received an information sheet about the study objectives and signed an informed consent form. Data confidentiality was guaranteed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Organic Law 3/2018 on Personal Data Protection and Guarantee of Digital Rights.

 Statistical analysis

The data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics software v.29 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) were calculated for all variables. Comparisons between degree programs were performed using the chi-square test (χ2) for categorical variables, and Fisher's exact test was applied when expected cell counts were small. Continuous variables were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Prior to ANOVA, assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variances were assessed using standard diagnostic procedures.

Post hoc multiples comparisions for ANOVA were conducted using Bonferroni corrections where appropriate. Effect sizes were calculated to complement p-values, using Cramer's V for categorical variables and eta squared (η2) for ANOVA analyses. A statistical significance level of p < 0.05 was established.

 Ethical considerations

Ethics approval for the study was granted by the Balearic Islands Research Ethics Committee (CEI-IB), under approval number IB 5691/24 PI. All participants provided their written informed consent prior to inclusion. The research was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (2024 version) (22) and the Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (23).

 Results

The sample comprised 165 university students from the ADEMA University School (Palma de Mallorca, Spain). The mean age was 24.7 ± 0.35.

The distribution by degree program was as follows: Dentistry (n = 115; 69.7%), Human Nutrition and Dietetics (n = 32; 19.4%), and Fine Arts (n = 18; 10.9%).

In terms of sociodemographic characteristics, most students resided in urban areas (60.3%), followed by rural areas (27.4%), and suburban areas (12.8%). By age, 46.9% were between 20 and 25 years, 18.2% were under 20, 13.4% were between 25 and 30, and 21.9% were over 30. With regard to the academic year, there was a slight predominance of first-year (30.4%) and fourth-year students (23.7%).

In terms of gender, the Dentistry and Nutrition degree programs had similar proportions of women (76.5% and 75%, respectively), while in Fine Arts, the proportion of women was somewhat lower (66.7%). It should be noted that one Fine Arts student identified with the category “other” (0.61% of the total) (Table 1).

Sociodemographic characteristics of the sample according to degree.

Variable Dentistry Nutrition Fine Arts Total
n % n % n % n %
Sex Male 27 23.4 8 25.0 5 27.8 40 24.3
Female 88 76.5 24 75.0 12 66.7 124 75.6
Other – – – – 1 5.6 1 0.61
Area of Residence Rural 27 23.4 11 34.3 7 38.9 45 27.4
Urban 72 62.6 18 56.2 9 50.0 99 60.3
Suburban 16 13.9 3 9.4 2 11.1 21 12.8
Age < 20 years 17 14.7 7 21.8 6 33.3 30 18.2
20–25 years 56 48.6 14 43.7 7 38.9 77 46.9
25–30 years 17 14.7 5 15.6 – – 22 13.4
>30 years 25 21.7 6 18.7 5 27.8 36 21.9
Year First 34 29.5 9 28.1 7 38.9 50 30.4
Second 7 6.1 10 31.2 8 44.4 25 15.2
Third 15 13.0 6 18.7 2 11.1 23 14.0
Fourth 31 26.9 7 21.8 1 5.6 39 23.7
Fifth 28 24.3 – – – – 28 17.0
Physical activity

Nutrition students showed a more active profile: 60% exercised at least 2–3 h per week, and none reported total inactivity. In contrast, Fine Arts students participated less in regular physical activity and spent more time sitting, associated in particular with screen use. Dental students exhibited intermediate behavior, with moderate levels of physical activity (Table 2).

Mean daily hours of physical activity during weekdays by degree program.

Degree program Degree n Mean SD SE 95% CI p value
Dentistry 115 1.96 1.33 0.12 (1.71–2.21) 0.012
Nutrition 32 2.68 0.89 0.15 (2.36–3.01)
Fine Arts 18 1.88 1.18 0.27 (1.30–2.47)

n, sample size; SD, standard deviation; SE, standard error; CI, confidence interval; one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05 and Bonferroni post hoc analysis.

 Screen use

Fine Arts students recorded the most hours spent in front of screens both during the week and on the weekend, while Nutrition students had the lowest values and Dentistry students had intermediate values (Fine Arts: 1.88 ± 0.29 h/day; Dentistry: 1.55 ± 0.11 h/day; Nutrition: 1.03 ± 0.15 h/day; p = 0.028). During the weekend, the pattern was the same, with 2.16 ± 0.27 h/day in Fine Arts, 1.90 ± 0.12 h/day in Dentistry, and 1.28 ± 0.18 h/day in Nutrition (p = 0.022) (Table 3).

Mean daily screen time during weekdays and weekends by degree program.

Measurement periods Degree n Mean SD SE 95% CI p value
Screen time during weekdays Dentistry 115 1.55 1.22 0.11 (1.32–1.78) 0.028
Nutrition 32 1.03 0.89 0.15 (0.70–1.35)
Fine Arts 18 1.88 1.23 0.29 (1.27–2.50)
Screen time during weekends Dentistry 115 1.90 1.31 0.12 (1.66–2.14) 0.022
Nutrition 32 1.28 1.02 0.18 (0.91–1.65)
Fine Arts 18 2.16 1.15 0.27 (1.59–2.73)

n, sample size; SD, standard deviation; SE, standard error; CI, confidence interval; one-way ANOVA: p < 0.05 and Bonferroni post hoc analysis.

 Oral health habits

Oral hygiene practices differed significantly among degree programs. Most students used manual toothbrushes (86.6%), with no significant differences among groups (p = 0.726).

The use of electric toothbrushes and interdental brushes was more frequent among Dentistry students, although statistical significance was not reached (p > 0.05).

The use of dental floss and fluoride toothpaste was significantly higher in the Dentistry group (p < 0.001), while mouthwash use was similar across degree programs.

Overall, Dentistry students exhibited a more comprehensive oral hygiene pattern, characterized by a greater diversity of tools used (Table 4).

Oral hygiene practices by degree program

Variable n % Dentistry Nutrition Fine Arts p value
Manual toothbrush Yes 143 86.6 99 29 15 0.726
No 22 13.3 16 3 3
Electric toothbrush Yes 64 38.7 50 8 6 0.146
No 101 61.2 65 24 12
Interdental toothbrush Yes 49 29.6 38 6 5 0.289
No 116 70.3 77 26 13
Dental floss Yes 120 72.7 95 15 10 < 0.001*
No 45 27.2 20 17 8
Fluoride toothpaste Yes 132 80 109 15 8 < 0.001*
No 33 20 6 17 10
Mouthwash Yes 55 33.3 37 12 6 0.852
No 110 66.6 78 20 12

n, number of participants; chi-square: * variable with significant effect (p < 0.05).

Statistically significant differences were observed among Dentistry, Nutrition, and Fine Arts students in their self-perception of dental and gum health (p < 0.001). 68.7% of Dentistry students rated their dental health as “excellent” or “very good,” compared to 40.6% in Nutrition and 22.2% in Fine Arts. Similarly, 67.8% of Dentistry students considered their gum health to be “excellent” or “very good,” compared to 31.3% of Nutrition students and 33.3% of Fine Arts students.

Significant differences were also found in the reason for consultation (p < 0.001): Dentistry students most frequently attended for check-ups or tartar removal (76.5%), whereas among Fine Arts students, consultations for pain or conservative treatment predominated (38.9%). Within the Nutrition group, both types of reasons were represented in comparable proportions (around 22%) (Table 5).

Self-perception of oral health and reasons for consultation according to degree program.

Variable n % Dentistry Nutrition Fine Arts p value
Dental Health Excellent 29 17.5 27 1 1 < 0.001*
Very good 67 40.6 52 12 3
Good 45 27.2 29 9 7
Normal 16 9.69 5 6 5
Bad 7 4.24 1 4 2
Don't know 1 0.60 1 – –
Gum Health Excellent 33 21.1 29 4 – < 0.001*
Very good 61 39.1 49 6 6
Good 36 23.0 22 8 6
Normal 18 11.5 3 12 3
Bad 6 3.84 1 – –
Don't know 1 0.64 1 – –
Reason for Consultation Pain 23 13.9 14 3 6 < 0.001*
Conserv. Treat. 16 9.69 11 4 1
Scaling 44 26.6 44 – –
Check-up 80 48.4 44 25 11
Don't know 2 1.21 2 - -

n, number of participants; %: percentage of responses within each group; chi-square: *variable with significant effect (p < 0.05).

Regarding the experience of oral pain or discomfort in the last 12 months, significant differences were observed among degree programs (p = 0.021). 24.5% of students reported having experienced oral pain in the last year. The proportion was highest in Nutrition (37.5%) and Fine Arts (41.2%), while it was 18.3% in Dentistry. In contrast, 75.4% of the sample reported no oral pain during the same period, with this outcome observed predominantly in Dentistry (81.7%). These results reflect that Dentistry students, who have better hygiene habits and more frequent preventive checkups, report a lower prevalence of oral pain compared to Nutrition and Fine Arts students (Table 6).

Oral pain by degree program.

Variable n % Dentistry Nutrition Fine Arts p value
Oral pain in the last 12 months Yes 40 24.5 21 12 7 0.021 *
No 123 75.4 93 20 10

n, sample, yes, no; chi-square * variable with significance (p < 0.05).

 Frequency of food consumption

Regarding the structure of daily meals, most participants reported eating three meals a day (58.7%), with significant differences among degree programs (p = 0.047).

Nutrition students were the most likely to eat more than three meals a day, while Dentistry students had a higher proportion of participants who consumed two or fewer meals a day.

Snacking between meals was a common habit in all the groups (≈50%), with no statistically significant differences (Table 7).

Frequency of daily meals and snacking according to degree program.

Variable n % Dentistry Nutrition Fine Arts p value
Meals per day Two or fewer 25 15.1 19 3 3 0.047*
Three 97 58.7 68 15 14
More than three 43 26.0 28 14 1
Snacks Yes 83 50.3 63 12 8 0.195
No 82 49.6 52 20 10

n, sample; chi-square: * variable with significant effect (p < 0.05).

A detailed analysis of food consumption showed a healthier pattern among Nutrition students, with a higher frequency of consumption of whole wheat bread, fruits, and vegetables (p < 0.05).

Conversely, Fine Arts students reported lower consumption of fruits and vegetables and higher consumption of pastries and snacks, although this was not statistically significant. The consumption of white bread, cereals, coffee, and energy drinks did not show significant differences among degree programs (p > 0.05) (Table 8).

Frequency of consumption.

Food item n % Dentistry Nutrition Fine Arts p value
White bread Monthly 97 58.7 66 24 7 0.140
Several times a week 42 25.4 31 5 6
Once or several times a day 26 15.7 18 3 5
Whole wheat bread Monthly 76 46 56 11 9 < 0.001*
Several times a week 54 32.7 42 5 7
Once or several times a day 35 21.2 17 16 2
Cereals Monthly 132 80 93 26 13 0.188
Several times a week 20 12.1 15 4 1
Once or several times a day 13 7.87 7 2 4
Pastries Monthly 140 84.8 98 29 13 0.251
Several times a week 19 11.5 14 1 4
Once or several times a day 6 3.63 3 2 1
French fries Monthly 149 90.3 103 30 16 0.603
Several times a week 14 8.48 11 1 2
Once or several times a day 2 1.21 1 1 -
Vegetables/salad Monthly 30 18.1 23 6 1 0.010*
Several times a week 65 39.3 52 5 8
Once or several times a day 70 42.4 40 21 9
Cooked vegetables Monthly 44 26.6 36 3 5 0.005*
Several times a week 71 43 53 11 7
Once or several times a day 50 30.3 26 18 6
Fruit/juice Monthly 22 13.3 18 2 2 0.004*
Several times a week 59 35.7 48 4 7
Once or several times a day 84 50.9 49 26 9
Fresh meat Monthly 29 17.5 26 3 – 0.014*
Several times a week 85 51.5 51 19 15
Once or several times a day 51 30.9 38 10 3
Milkshakes Monthly 144 87.2 99 28 17 0.405
Several times a week 17 10.3 14 2 1
Once or several times a day 4 2.42 2 2 –
Energy drinks Monthly 146 88.4 102 30 14 0.222
Several times a week 17 10.3 12 1 4
Once or several times a day 2 1.21 1 1 0
Coffee Monthly 60 36.3 43 12 5 0.515
Several times a week 30 18.1 22 3 5
Once or several times a day 75 45.4 50 17 8

n, sample; chi-square: *variable with significant effect (p < 0.05).

 Discussion

This study analyzed the lifestyles, health habits, and oral health status of university students in different degree programs at the ADEMA University School, identifying significant differences according to academic field. The results indicate healthier profiles among students enrolled in Nutrition and Dentistry compared to those in Fine Arts. This pattern mirrors finding from previous studies, showing that students in Health Sciences tend to exhibit greater health awareness and more favorable lifestyle behaviors than those in non-health disciplines (2, 24).

Although the present study was conducted in a specific geographical and sociocultural context (Mallorca, Spain), similar patterns have been reported in university populations from other national and international settings (25). Evidence from both European and non-European contexts consistently indicates that Health Sciences students adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors and demonstrate greater preventive awareness than their peers in non-health-related fields (2, 24). This consistency across settings suggests that differences in health-related behaviors are consistently associated with academic field across diverse settings. However, several authors caution that this advantage may decrease as the program progresses, especially during periods of high academic workload or stress, reinforcing the need to maintain ongoing health promotion programs in the setting (10, 26). Given the cross-sectional design of the study, these findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships.

Regarding physical activity, Nutrition students were the most active, while Fine Arts students were the least active, mainly due to spending more time sitting in front of screens. These results are consistent with recent studies showing associations between intrinsic motivation, academic context (27) and sports participation among university students (1, 2, 5). It has also been observed that physically active students have better psychological well-being (24). Physical inactivity has been identified as one of the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Spain (28). The nature of art studies, involving long hours of sitting and using digital devices, may be associated with lower levels of physical activity. Protracted periods of sitting are associated with an increased risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and poorer oral health (14–16). Recent studies conducted among Spanish university students during and after the COVID-19 lockdown have revealed an increase in sedentary behavior and a decrease in physical activity, particularly among women (29). This phenomenon appears to be linked to the digitization of education and shifting patterns of youth leisure activities. The WHO emphasizes that regular physical activity, at least 150 min per week of moderate intensity, is essential not only for physical health, but also for mental and social well-being (30).

In terms of oral health, Dentistry students showed a more positive perception of their oral health, brushed more frequently, and used complementary instruments more regularly (7). The more favorable oral health behaviors and perceptions observed among Dentistry students in this study are consistent with findings reported in previous research conducted in dental student populations. Several studies have documented that dental undergraduates generally report better oral hygiene practices, healthier dietary habits, and higher levels of preventive awareness compared with students fron non-dental disciplines, regardless of the stage of training (31, 32). Similar associations between diet, lifestyle factors, and oral health outcomes have also been described in studies incorporating objective clinical indicators such as the DMFT index and periodontal status (33, 34).

However, it is important to note that most of these studies included objective clinical assessments, allowing a more comprehensive evaluation of oral health status. In contrast, the present study focused on self-perceived oral health, which may lead to an overestimation of oral health status among Dentistry students due to higher health literacy. Despite this limitation, perceived oral health remains a relevant indicator, as it is closely associated with health behaviors, quality of life, and patterns of dental care utilization.

These results align with studies on children and adolescents in Mallorca, which show how lifestyle habits, diet, and consumption of ultra-processed foods directly influence oral and periodontal health (14–16). This underscores the importance of incorporating oral health into lifelong health promotion strategies. This relationship between diet and oral health has been widely documented. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fresh foods is associated with a lower risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease, while regular consumption of free sugars and ultra-processed foods increases the risk of oral dysbiosis (35, 36). In addition, recent studies emphasize the importance of considering oral health as an early indicator of overall well-being and health inequalities. In this regard, Nutrition students showed greater adherence to balanced diets, with high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low consumption of ultra-processed products (37). These findings are in line with previous studies emphasizing that nutrition training fosters the adoption of healthier eating habits, notably the Mediterranean diet (38). Fine Arts students showed a lower frequency of fruit and vegetable intake and higher consumption of pastries and snacks, which could be related to a lack of specific training in health and nutrition. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been associated with better academic performance and a lower risk of metabolic diseases in young university students (39). However, inequalities in access to fresh foods and the impact of food marketing can make it difficult to adopt this dietary pattern, especially for students with less knowledge or fewer economic resources (37).

Overall the findings support the existence of meaningful associations between academic field and health-related behaviors, likely reflecting differences in training content, academic culture, and health awareness as well the influence of curriculum and the expectations within each academic program. The university is a strategic setting to implement comprehensive health promotion programs that include oral health as an integral part of overall health (10, 11). This approach is in line with the Health Promoting Universities initiative, promoted by the WHO and the REUPS, which proposes a comprehensive model of university well-being. Incorporating oral health into these strategies makes it possible to advance toward a more holistic view of health and toward university education geared toward sustainability and equity (17, 18).

Strengths and limitations

A major strength of this study is its multidimensional approach, integrating lifestyle behaviors, dietary habits, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and oral health variables. This provides a comprehensive overview of health-related behaviors among university students. The comparison across different academic disciplines offers valuable insight into the influence of educational context on health and preventive behaviors.

Nevertheless, several limitations should be acknowledged. The non-probabilistic sampling design and the unequal distribution of participants across degree programs—reflecting the actual enrollment structure of the institution—may limit the generalizability of the findings and reduce the statistical power of intergroup comparisons, particularly for the Fine Arts group.

Potential confounding variables, including socioeconomic status, academic workload, and prior health education, were not controlled for in this study. These factors may partially explain the observed differences in health behaviors and oral health outcomes between degree programs and should be considered in future research to clarify their influence.

Additionally, medication intake and previous medical conditions were not considered as exclusion criteria and may have influenced self-reported health behaviors or oral health perception. The absence of objective clinical oral health assessments represents another important limitation, as the results rely on self-perceived oral health, which may be affected by reporting bias and differences in health literacy, especially among Dentistry students. In particular, the use of self-reported data may have introduced recall bias or social desirability bias, potentially leading to overestimation of favorable behaviors. Future studies incorporating clinical indicators and objective behavioral measures would allow a more robust assessment of the relationship between lifestyle factors and oral health outcomes.

 Implications for practice

The results underscore the need to integrate health education into university curricula, particularly in non-health-related programs, promoting self-care and prevention habits from an educational perspective. The development of health-promoting universities, following the REUPS and WHO guidelines, is an opportunity to strengthen comprehensive health and the sustainability of healthy lifestyles among young people (9, 13).

It is suggested that specific modules on oral health, nutrition, and physical activity be incorporated into Fine Arts programs and other non-health disciplines. In addition, promoting awareness campaigns on sedentary lifestyles, screen exposure, and consumption of ultra-processed products could improve the overall and oral health of the university population.

 Conclusions

The study reveals significant differences in lifestyles and health habits among university students in different degree programs. Nutrition students exhibited the healthiest behaviors, especially in terms of physical activity and diet, while Dentistry students stood out for their better oral health and greater preventive awareness. In contrast, Fine Arts students exhibited more sedentary behaviors and less adherence to healthy habits.

These findings confirm that the academic setting influences the adoption of healthy behaviors, and they underscore the need to develop comprehensive university health promotion programs that include oral health as an essential component of overall well-being.

 Data availability statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

 Ethics statement

The studies involving humans were approved by Balearic Islands Research Ethics Committee (IB 5691/24PI). The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. Written informed consent was obtained from the individual(s) for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article.

 Author contributions

IC: Methodology, Investigation, Writing – review & editing, Software, Writing – original draft. MS: Methodology, Investigation, Writing – review & editing. NL-S: Methodology, Supervision, Writing – review & editing.

 Acknowledgments

The authors express their sincere gratitude to ADEMA University School for its support and collaboration throughout the development of this research.

 Conflict of interest

The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

 Generative AI statement

The author(s) declared that generative AI was not used in the creation of this manuscript.

Any alternative text (alt text) provided alongside figures in this article has been generated by Frontiers with the support of artificial intelligence and reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, including review by the authors wherever possible. If you identify any issues, please contact us.

 Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

 References Varela-Mato V Cancela JM Ayan C Martín V Molina A. Lifestyle and health among Spanish university students: differences by gender and academic discipline. Int J Environ Res Public Health. (2012) 9:2728–41. doi: 10.3390/ijerph9082728 Solera Sánchez A Gamero Lluna A Solera Sánchez A Gamero Lluna A. Hábitos saludables en universitarios de ciencias de la salud y de otras ramas de conocimiento: un estudio comparativo. Rev Esp Nutr Hum Diet. (2019) 23:271–82. doi: 10.14306/renhyd.23.4.762 Rodríguez-Larrad A Mañas A Labayen I González-Gross M Espin A Aznar S . Impact of COVID-19 confinement on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in spanish university students: role of gender. Int J Environ Res Public Health. (2021) 18:1–14. doi: 10.3390/ijerph1802036933418907 Peltzer K Pengpid S. Oral health behaviour and social and health factors in university students from 26 low, middle and high income countries. Int J Environ Res Public Health. (2014) 11:12247–60. doi: 10.3390/ijerph11121224725431876 Arroyo Izaga M Ma Rocandio Pablo A Ansotegui Alday L Pascual Apalauza E Salces Beti I Rebato Ochoa E. Calidad de la dieta, sobrepeso y obesidad en estudiantes universitarios. Nutr Hosp. (2006) 21:673–9. Durá Travé T Castroviejo Gandarias A. Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en la población universitaria. Nutr Hosp. (2011) 26:602–8. Genco RJ Sanz M. Clinical and public health implications of periodontal and systemic diseases: an overview. Periodontol 2000. (2020) 83:7–13. doi: 10.1111/prd.1234432385880 Carballo-Fazanes A Rico-Díaz J Barcala-Furelos R Rey E Rodríguez-Fernández JE Varela-Casal C . Physical activity habits and determinants, sedentary behaviour and lifestyle in university students. Int J Environ Res Public Health. (2020) 17:3272. doi: 10.3390/ijerph1709327232397068 Barron K Ford CD Dunlap S. Exploring the cardiovascular health behaviors of college students and the areas that need increased public health efforts. Public Health Nurs. (2024) 41:1331–41. doi: 10.1111/phn.1340739194365 Prasad M Manjunath C Murthy A Sampath A Jaiswal S Mohapatra A. Integration of oral health into primary health care: a systematic review. J Family Med Prim Care. (2019) 8:1838. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_286_1931334142 World Health Organization. Global Oral Health Status Report: Towards Universal Health Coverage for Oral Health by 2030. Geneva: World Health Organization (2022). Patel J Wallace J Doshi M Gadanya M Ben Yahya I Roseman J . Oral health for healthy ageing. Lancet Healthy Longev. (2021) 2:e521–7. doi: 10.1016/S2666-7568(21)00142-236098001 Peres MA Macpherson LMD Weyant RJ Daly B Venturelli R Mathur MR . Oral diseases: a global public health challenge. Lancet. (2019) 394:249–60. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31146-831954454 Coll I Vallejos D Cuesta R Domínguez J Tomás P López-Safont N. Prevalence of oral diseases and the influence of the presence of overweight/obesity in school children population in Mallorca. J Clin Med. (2024) 13:7283. doi: 10.3390/jcm13237283 Coll I Vallejos D López-Safont N. Differences in physical activity levels, screen time, and body mass index and their associations with oral health in school children in Mallorca. Children. (2024) 11:1280. doi: 10.3390/children11111280 Coll I Vallejos D Estebala P López-Safont N. The relationship between processed food consumption and periodontal disease: sex disparities in the Majorcan adolescent population. Life. (2025) 15:580. doi: 10.3390/life1504058040283135 Dooris M. The “Health Promoting University”: a critical exploration of theory and practice. Health Educ. (2001) 101:51–60. doi: 10.1108/09654280110384108 Ministerio de Sanidad. Red Española de Universidades Promotoras de Salud (REUPS). Available online at: https://www.sanidad.gob.es/areas/promocionPrevencion/entornosSaludables/universidades.htm (Cited November 11, 2024). Badura P Eriksson C García-Moya I Löfstedt P Melkumova M Sotiroska K. A Focus on Adolescent Social Contexts in Europe, Central Asia and Canada. Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children International Report from the 2021/2022 Survey. Vol. 7. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe (2024). Available online at: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/379486 Ministerio de Sanidad Servicios Sociales e Igualdad. Agencia Española de Consumo, Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AECOSAN). Encuesta Nacional de Consumo de Alimentos en Población Infantil y Adolescente. Madrid: Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad (2017). 19 p. Tavakol M Dennick R. Making sense of Cronbach's alpha. Int J Med Educ. (2011) 2:53. doi: 10.5116/ijme.4dfb.8dfd28029643 World Medical Association. World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki: ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA. (2013) 310:2191–4. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.281053 International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). ICH Harmonised Guideline: Guideline for Good Clinical Practice E6. Geneva: ICH (2025). Ruiz-Hernández JA Guillén Á Pina D Puente-López E. Mental health and healthy habits in university students: a comparative associative study. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. (2022) 12:114. doi: 10.3390/ejihpe1202001035200233 Ehsan H Ahmadzai N Orfani Z Rezayee BM Wally M Daftani S. Oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior among health professions' students at Kabul University of Medical Sciences. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. (2023) 15:349–58. doi: 10.2147/CCIDE.S44409338107874 Acebes-Sánchez J Diez-Vega I Rodriguez-Romo G. Physical activity among Spanish undergraduate students: a descriptive correlational study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. (2019) 16:2770. doi: 10.3390/ijerph1615277031382503 Moral Moreno L Flores Ferro E Maureira Cid F. Nivel de actividad física en estudiantes universitarios: un estudio comparativo España-Chile. Retos: Nuevas Tendencias en Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación. (2024) 56:188–99. doi: 10.47197/retos.v56.102969 Díez Rico C. Inactividad física y sedentarismo en la población española. Riecs (2017). Available online at: https://riecs.es/index.php/riecs/article/view/18/36 (Cited November 4, 2025). Irazusta Astiazarán J Ara Royo I. Actividad física en la población universitaria durante el confinamiento por COVID-19: determinantes y consecuencias sobre el estado de salud y la calidad de vida (2020). Bull FC Al-Ansari SS Biddle S Borodulin K Buman MP Cardon G . World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Br J Sports Med. (2020) 54:1451–62. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-10295533239350 Olmos-Valverde M Carrillo-Díaz M González-Olmo MJ Romero-Maroto M Jiménez-Trujillo I. Evaluation of dietary habits, type a behavior pattern and its relationship with oral health status in dental undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study. J Clin Med. (2022) 11:1540. doi: 10.3390/jcm1106154035329866 Cortes FJ Nevot C Ramon JM Cuenca E. The evolution of dental health in dental students at the University of Barcelona. J Dent Educ. (2002) 66:1203–8. doi: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2002.66.10.tb03593.x12449215 Jouhar R Ahmed MA Khurshid Z Bokhari SAH. Association of BMI, diet, physical activity, and oral hygiene practices with DMFT index of male dental students at King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa. Nutrients. (2021) 13:1–15. doi: 10.3390/nu1301022433466721 Olmos-Valverde M Carrillo-Díaz M González-Olmo MJ Romero-Maroto M Jiménez-Trujillo I. Dental caries, periodontal status, and lifestyle connections: examining the moderating effects of sleep, smoking, diet, and mealtime routines. Nutrients. (2025) 17:1079. doi: 10.3390/nu1706107940292487 Moynihan PJ. The role of diet and nutrition in the etiology and prevention of oral diseases. Bull World Health Organ. (2005) 83:694–9. 16211161 Botelho J Mascarenhas P Viana J Proença L Orlandi M Leira Y . An umbrella review of the evidence linking oral health and systemic noncommunicable diseases. Nat Commun. (2022) 13:7614. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-35337-836494387 Navarrete-Muñoz EM Torres-Collado L Valera-Gran D Gonzalez-Palacios S Compañ-Gabucio LM Hernández-Sánchez S . Nutrition labelling use and higher adherence to mediterranean diet: results from the DiSA-UMH study. Nutrients. (2018) 10:442. doi: 10.3390/nu1004044229614009 Muzzioli L Gimbo C Pintavalle M Migliaccio S Donini LM. Evaluation of the influence of intervention tools used in nutrition education programs: a mixed approach. Nutrients. (2025) 17:2460. doi: 10.3390/nu1715246040806045 Tomás-Gallego G Dalmau-Torres JM Jiménez-Boraita R Ortuño-Sierra J Gargallo-Ibort E. Adherence to the mediterranean diet in Spanish University students: association with lifestyle habits, mental and emotional well-being. Nutrients. (2025) 17:698. doi: 10.3390/nu1704069840005025

Edited by: Kitty Jieyi Chen, Sun Yat-sen University, China

Reviewed by: Hedayatullah Ehsan, Ghalib University, Afghanistan

Marta Olmos Valverde, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain

ADEMA, ADEMA University School; CEI-IB, Research Ethics Committee of the Balearic Islands; ENALIA – National Food Consumption Survey in Children and Adolescents; WHO, World Health Organization; REUPS, Spanish Network of Health Promoting Universities; EU, European Union.