The "Risk Behaviours" campaign is part of the Healthy Campus UC programme and aims to raise awareness about the prevention and awareness of the negative effects of Risk Behaviours in the academic environment, aimed at the entire academic community.
Among all the behaviours, violence, alcohol, psychoactive substances, tobacco, dating violence and sex stood out.
We challenge you to think about ALCOHOL
Studying in Higher Education includes moments of celebration, associated with the consumption of alcohol and, sometimes, the search for the effects of drunkenness.
In this festive season it is important to know that excessive alcohol consumption - binge drinking - corresponds to drinking 6 or more drinks for men and 5 drinks for women within 2 hours.
It is the main risk factor in the younger population for premature death and disability.
If you have a celebration that includes alcohol consumption, never leave anyone who is drunk alone.
Develop your individual commitment to your health and well-being!
We challenge you to think about psychoactive substances in exams
Substances that alter study skills have been in some demand in Higher Education students. They are known as 'smart drugs' and have both powerful and dangerous properties.
Their immediate use can increase concentration and motivation to study. However, it also has side effects, namely agitation, anxiety, insomnia, stomach pains, and most alarmingly, it is addictive.
Attending Higher Education is a learning journey, which includes assessment moments. The aim is that you achieve your degree without 'cheating', so that the results are yours and not the 'cheats'.
Develop your individual commitment to your health and wellbeing!
We challenge you to reflect on violence in interpersonal relationships
Attending Higher Education presents challenges on many levels. One of them is sharing accommodation.
The experiences of sharing spaces in the "house of Coimbra" can lead either to unforgettable moments of happiness or to moments of trauma.
The processes of violence, generally, begin with psychological violence and may advance to physical aggression.
Dialogue, respecting limits and enjoying the experience of sharing accommodation are ways of non-violence and of conquering a home environment and interpersonal relationships that are beneficial for all.
Develop your individual commitment to your health and well-being!
We challenge you to reflect on dating violence
Dating violence is a public crime and comes in many forms, whether verbal, psychological, relational, physical or sexual.
5 out of 10 students in Higher Education have experienced at least 1 episode of dating violence and
2 in 10 have experienced dating violence.
Shame and vulnerability perpetuate victims' silence.
Try to reflect on the behaviours you may engage in as a perpetrator or victim and become aware that seeking help and support is possible.
Develop your individual commitment to your health and well-being!
We challenge you to think about tobacco
Although each cigarette contains more than 4700 substances, it is nicotine that is responsible for chemical dependence. Tobacco consumption is a health problem, with repercussions in both the smoking and non-smoking population. It is the leading cause of disease and avoidable death.
The World Health Organization considers tobacco use to be the largest single cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. 1 in 5 people die from smoking.
Quitting smoking is possible and you can count on professional help to be free from addiction.
If you are not a smoker, protect yourself from smoky environments. They are also bad for your health.
Develop your individual commitment to your health and well-being!
We challenge you to think about sexual health
Your happiness is about fulfilling your basic needs. Just like breathing, thirst, sleep, hunger, sex is also one of the basic needs of all people.
Sex is a life area of sharing intimacy and trust. Having a focus on your sexual health includes protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or an unintended pregnancy.
Higher Education students are at a higher risk of contracting STIs or an unwanted pregnancy. Sexual activity with multiple partners, inconsistent condom use or a partner using intravenous drugs are some of the risk factors.
Develop your individual commitment to your health and well-being!