[Gender differences in the social relations of students].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to study gender differences in social network and social support among university students with a special view to social relations as a coping strategy for dealing with personal problems.


METHODS
A total of 1,126 (48%) medical, psychology and liberal arts students who initiated their studies in 2006 or 2007 participated in the study. Data derives from a student register and a questionnaire on social network and social support.


RESULTS
Approximately 85% of the students visit friends weekly, and about 40% spend time with their family weekly. Nearly half of the students have a partner. More female than male medical students have a partner when initiating their studies. More than 80% of the students have experienced mental health or social problems in the past, more female than male medical and liberal arts students. More than half of the male students handle their personal problems by themselves, whereas female students receive more social support. Significant gender differences in social support are mostly found among medical and liberal arts students.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that male and female students use different coping strategies when dealing with social and mental health problems, and gender differences in social relations seem to be most widespread among medical and liberal arts students - why and how should be investigated further.
Bak
Nanna Hasle
NH
Center for Sundhed og Samfund, Københavns Universitet, 1014 København K, Denmark. n.bak@pubhealth.ku.dk
Petersson
Birgit H
BH
Dissing
Agnete Skovlund
AS
Pedersen
Laura Toftegaard
LT
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003718:Denmark; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012042:Registries; D012737:Sex Factors; D012940:Social Problems; D012944:Social Support; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult