Health risk behaviors among students in a private university in Egypt

Many young adults participate in risk behaviors that threaten their current and future health. The aim of this study was to measure prevalence of health risk behaviors among students in a private university in Egypt [Misr University for Science and Technology] and factors related to such behaviors. A total of 1200 students from the Misr University for Science and Technology were enrolled for the study. An anonymous self administered questionnaire was designed based on items questions from the Youth Health Risk Behavior Surveillance survey questionnaire used by the CDC. The questionnaire was translated in Arabic and pilot tested before its use. The questionnaire covered violence related behaviors, smoking, alcohol and other illicit drug use, nutritional behaviors and exercise. The majority of the students were at risk in terms of driving while not wearing seat belt. Seriously considered attempting suicide had high prevalence [8%]. Cigarettes smoking had a prevalence of 18% in males compared to 12% in female students. Also, female students showed high prevalence of alcohol and marijuana use. Overweight and obesity were prevalent in 43.7% of the students and lack of exercise was reported in 92% of them. Overweight and obesity were more prevalent among Egyptian students while engaging in physical fight and alcohol intake were more prevalent among non-Egyptians. Students at this private university had high prevalence of smoking. The female students showed high prevalence of smoking, alcohol and marijuana usage. Most of the students are at health risk of overweight and obesity as well lack of exercise