Risky Behaviors of University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to identify certain risky behavior patterns (unsafe sex, tobacco and drug use, and binge drinking) and the factors affecting these behaviors among first- and third-year students in a university.
Method: The study included a total of 8407 students enrolled as first- (4392) and third- (4015) year students. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. In data analysis, respecting sampling weights, models were formed by logistic regression method to determine factors that affect the risky behaviors. Results: 731 male–1114 female students from the first year and 560 male–1096 female students from the third year were interviewed. Male students were found to be engaged in risky behaviors more frequently than females. Logistic models of the study indicated that gender, place of residence, relationship with parents, and socialization with friends have profound effects on risky behaviors.
Conclusion: After leaving home, young people develop their own lifestyles, and this study demonstrates that lifestyle is the main effective factor for risky behaviors in this group. Universities need to assume more responsibility to guide students’ lives and to provide the facilities and opportunities that encourage and facilitate their adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
Keywords
References
- Neinstein LS, Kaufman FR Normal Physical Growth and Development. In: Neinstein LS, eds. Adolescent Health Care a Practical Guide. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2002. 3-51.
- Radzik M, Sherer S, Neinstein LS. Psychosocial Development in Normal Adolescents. In: Neinstein LS, eds. Adolescent Health Care a Practical Guide. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2002. 52-8.
- World Health Organization. Adolescent Friendly Health Services, an Agenda for Change, WHO/FCH/CAH/02.14. Geneva 2002. 5–6.
- Archibald AB, Graber JA, Gunn JB. Pubertal Process and Physiological Growth in Adolescence. In: Adams GR, Berzonsky MD, eds. Blackwell Handbook of Publication, 2006. 24-48. UK: Blackwell
- Steptoe A, Wardle J. Health behaviour, risk awareness and emotional well-being in students from Eastern Europe and Western 2001;53:1621–30. Soc Sci Med
- Neinstein LS, MacKenzie RG, Morris RE. High-Risk and Out of Control Behavior. In: Neinstein LS, eds. Adolescent Health Care a Practical Guide. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2002. 1402-6.
- Von Ah D, Ebert S, Ngamvitroj A, et al. Predictors of health behaviours in college students. J Adv Nurs 2004; 48(5):463–74.
- Grunbaum JA, Kann L, Kinchen S, et al. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance-United States, 2003. Surveillance Summaries, MMWR 2004;53 (No SS-2):1-29.
- Ozer EM, Adams SH, Gardner LR, et al. Provider self-efficacy and the screening of adolescents for risky health behaviors. J Adolescent Health 2004;35:101–7.
- Kelly E, Darke S, Ross J. A review of drug use impairment, risk factors and risk perceptions. 2004;23:319–44. epidemiology, Drug Alcohol Rev