Health risk behaviors among undergraduate college students: an assessment study

ABSTRACT

Health attitudes and behaviors develop in childhood and progress through adolescence into adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the different health risk behaviors among undergraduate college students. The study was implemented at 7th of April University, Faculties of medical science in both zawya and Surman city in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. From the above mentioned setting 750 students were selected by means of a convenience sampling method. The data was collected by using the Youth risk behavior questionnaire that had been validated previously for use among University students included dichotomous questions to monitor different health risk behaviors. The results of this study demonstrate the high prevalence of risk behaviors among the undergraduate college students. Tobacco use was reported by [19.3%] of students, alcohol and drug use [15%], unsafe driving [58.9%], violence [41.4%], sexual practices [20.8%], dietary behahaviors and physical activity [74.8%]. Males, younger age and those had family size more than five were significantly more likely to participate in most of different health risk behaviors. Significant correlation was found between the different investigated risky behaviors, where violence related behavior shows a highly significant positive correlation with all risk behaviors. Also, positive correlation was found between sexual practices and alcohol, drug use, violence, dietary behavior and physical activity. The study provide valuable information to policy - makers, educators, health providers and community workers for planning programmes, develop priorities and adapting interventions to promote health of adolescents and youth in Libya. Much more work must be done through a national comprehensive health programme to raise the knowledge about risk factors and unhealthy behavior among youth and educating parents about how to prevent them