The Current State of Health of First-year Students at Astana Medical University and its Correction based on a Physical Education and Health Model

A BSTRACT The purpose of the study is the scientific justification of the modernization of the physical education system to promote the health of students. A retrospective analysis of morbidity trends in adolescents and adults (2019–2023) was conducted alongside a cross-sectional evaluation of the physical and mental health of 1630 medical students using G.L. Apanasenko’s physical health assessment, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Lüscher Color Test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27. Despite a 5-year decline in general morbidity among adolescents (−5.490%) and persons over 18 (−6.131%), the morbidity structure exhibited variability. Adolescents aged 15–17 showed a significant increase in respiratory and musculoskeletal ( P < 0.001), skin ( P = 0.005) diseases. Conversely, adults over 18 experienced a significant decrease in digestive and genitourinary ( P < 0.001) diseases, with a significant increase in endocrine disorders ( P = 0.003). The student health assessment revealed that 72.1% had low or below-average physical health, 31.5% showed signs of depression (more prevalent in males, P < 0.001), 44.1% reported chronic fatigue, and 39.1% indicated emotional instability. Boys more frequently demonstrated dysregulation of activity under stress ( P = 0.027), chronic overwork ( P < 0.0001), heightened neuropsychic reactivity to demands ( P = 0.0006), abrupt mood swings ( P = 0.004), difficulties in interpersonal communication ( P < 0.0001), and self-esteem instability ( P = 0.009). The prevalence of poor physical health and psychological well-being among students makes it particularly important to find effective methods of physical education and health promotion. In this regard, the four-component structure of the physical education and health model (diagnostic, target, procedural, and reflective-evaluative) allows for flexible adaptation of physical activity in accordance with medical indications and the individual needs of students.