Health Promotion in European Higher Education Institutions: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Objectives: This research aimed to determine the state of the art of health promotion actions in higher education institutions of European Union member countries. Methods:Toachievetheproposedobjective, an integrative literature review was conducted. The collection of analyzed articles was carried out across four databases and a data compilation, where studies published between 2016 and 2022 were reviewed. The analysis was conducted through the descriptionof theactionsinhealthpromotion(HP).Results: Fourteen articles were selected for analysis. The HP actions described primarily target students. Some of the main topics covered in the studies are health habits related to gender differences, recreational substances and health education. Conclusion: Although research in this area is increasing, it appears necessary to further disseminate the principles of the health promotion universities movement to raise awareness across the entire academic community. This could more easily lead to the development of more effective HP actions directed at the entire academic community and those outside the institutions.