Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Prevalence and Correlates of Health Risk Behaviors among University Students from a State in the Southern Region of Brazil

Version 1 : Received: 9 April 2024 / Approved: 10 April 2024 / Online: 10 April 2024 (10:47:23 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Guedes, D.P.; de Lima, K.A.; dos Santos Silva, A.L. Prevalence and Correlates of Health Risk Behaviors among University Students from a State in the Southern Region of Brazil. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21, 612. Guedes, D.P.; de Lima, K.A.; dos Santos Silva, A.L. Prevalence and Correlates of Health Risk Behaviors among University Students from a State in the Southern Region of Brazil. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21, 612.

Abstract

Background: Surveys conducted in different regions of the world showed that the prevalence rates of health risk behaviors (HRBs) in university students are sometimes higher than those found in non-university populations. This study aims to identify the prevalence rates and demographic and academic environment correlates associated with HRBs among Brazilian university students. Methods: In a cross-sectional epidemiological study, a random sample of 5,310 university students answered an online questionnaire with demographic (sex, age, skin color, marital status, and paid work) and academic setting information (housing type, size of campus, year and shift of study), as well as items clustered in four HRB domains: personal safety and violence, sexual behavior and contraception, addictive substance use, and eating habits, physical activity, and sleep. The data were analyzed statistically using bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The highest prevalence rates occurred in HRBs clustered in the domain of eating habits, physical activity, and sleep (> 60%), while HRBs for personal security and violence were less prevalent (

Keywords

Lifestyles; surveys; university health; health promotion; public health; Brazil

Subject

Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services

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