A Comparative Study of Health-risk Behaviors of Boys and Girls of Freshmen Year at Tehran University, Iran

Abstract

Background and purpose: Priority health-risk behaviors, often are established during childhood and adolescence, extend into adulthood, and are interrelated and preventable. This study was conducted to determine and compare the prevalence of risky behaviors on both sexes of freshman students enrolled in Tehran University, Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical type of cross-sectional survey which has used stratified sampling to select 432 students during 2011-2012. A questionnaire including, 14 demographic questions and 38 questions about risky behaviors such as unintentional intentional injuries, smoking habits, alcohol and drug use, sexual behaviors, nutritional habits, and physical activities was used as the instrument of the study. Attending student's club and passing medical examination, each student completed the self-reported questionnaire. Results: The mean age of participants was 23/2 ± 5/1, the majority of them were single (90.5%), 80.6% were unemployed, and 60.2% were from other cities. The prevalence of smoking cigarette (P < 0.001), using hookah (P < 0.001), carrying a cold weapon (P = 0.049), and driving without license (P < 0.001) were more in boys than girls while eating fruit (P < 0.001), vegetables (P = 0.049), and meat (P = 0.041) were more in girls. There were no significant differences in other risk behaviors (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Some health risk behaviors in boys were more than girls, and there is a possibility of increasing these high-risk behaviors in the university environment. Thus, keeping students under surveillance and adopting preventive actions play a crucial role, and comprehensive training plans to promote health behavior should be designed and implemented.

High-Risk Behaviors Among Iranian University Students: A Web-Based Survey

“…The results of a study among students in Khorramabad, Iran, showed that the prevalence rates of smoking cigarette, drug abuse, and alcohol consumption were 3.7%, 2.4%, and 5.5%, respectively [27]. Another study conducted on Tehran University students showed that the prevalence rates of alcohol, drug abuse, and high-risk sexual behaviors were 4.6%, 2.3%, and 5.6%, respectively [28]. Another study on the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among students in Rudan, Iran, demonstrated that the prevalence rates of drug use, alcohol consumption, and high-risk sexual behaviors were 5.5%, 4.9%, and 6.6%, respectively [29].…”

Exploring the relationship between health concerns and high‐risk behaviours in Medical Sciences' students

“…The frequency of alcohol and illicit drug use in the same group during the lifetime was found to be 11.9% and 8.8%, respectively (Afrashteh, Ghaem, Abbasi‐Ghahramanloo, & Tabatabaee, 2017). Although the prevalence of high‐risk sexual behaviours is controversial in the Iranian context, some studies reported extramarital sexual relationships among Iranian youth to be about 8%–41% (Mahmoodi et al, 2019; Rahmati‐Najarkolaei & Kamalikhah, 2014; Vakilian, Mousavi, & Keramat, 2014).…”

<p>Subgrouping University Students Based on Substance Use Pattern: A Latent Class Analysis</p>

“…7,8 Among Iranian students, the prevalence of substance use is relatively high. 2,5 For example, in a study conducted in six universities in Tehran, a relatively high prevalence of hookah, smoking and alcohol use was reported. 9 Important factors contributing to substance use include gender, high stress, the family history of substance use, family conflicts and protective factors such as religion, parental support and the high level of parental education.…”

“…In the 21st century, adolescents and youths have encountered multiple social changes that may contribute to potential substance use. 2 One of the most important stages in the lives of these young adults can occur when they enter a university, which is associated with separation from family, facing peer pressures and exposure to new experiences, in turn leading to increased stress and behavioral problems such as substance use. Substance use can result in physical injuries and irreparable educational, psychological, socioeconomic and occupational failure.…”

“…7 , 8 Among Iranian students, the prevalence of substance use is relatively high. 2 , 5 For example, in a study conducted in six universities in Tehran, a relatively high prevalence of hookah, smoking and alcohol use was reported. 9…”