Prevalence of risk behaviors in young university students

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of risk behaviors in young university students. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with 210 university students aged between 18 and 24. The applied research instrument was a validated questionnaire called National College Health Risk Behavior Survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and logistic regression. Results: Among the studied individuals, 40% ingested alcohol, 25% were overweight, 19% used motorcycles as a means of transportation, and 6% reported suicide attempts. Alcohol consumption, overweight and practicing sports were associated with men. Suicide attempts and healthier eating habits were associated with women. Conclusion: Participants adopted behaviors that risked their health status, being such attitude more frequently observed among men. Alcohol consumption was the most prevalent risk behavior in this population.