PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS' OPINIONS ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF HARMFUL HABITS, DRUG USE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES ON HUMAN HEALTH

Abstract

This study aims to determine the pre-service teachers' opinions regarding the effects of harmful habits, drug use and physical activities on human health. To this end, quantitative survey method has been utilized. The population of the study consists of all the pre-service teachers who are in elementary education, science education and social science education programs at Dokuz Eylul and Celal Bayar University. 756 pre-service teachers participated in the study. A questionnaire, which assesses the effects of harmful habits, using drugs, and physical activities on human health, was developed to determine the views of pre-service teachers regarding the factors that affect human health. The result of the data analysis of the questionnaire revealed that in terms of harmful habits, a majority of pre-service teachers think that it is necessary to ban smoking in closed areas, alcohol is harmful to human health, cigarettes can be addictive even when smoked occasionally, and that it is essential to make presentations regarding harmful habits at schools. In terms of drug use, pre-service teachers think that before drugs are taken their prospectus should be read, it is harmful to suggest drugs to each other, and drug interaction can cause series health problems. In terms of physical activities, majority of pre-service teachers think that doing sport not only effects physically healthy but also mental health. The results of this study is believed to make contribution to the field in terms of revealing the pre-service teachers' opinions regarding the effects of harmful habits, drug use and physical activities on human health.