Absence of religious beliefs, unhealthy eating habits, illicit drug abuse, and self-rated health is associated with alcohol and tobacco use among college students — PADu study

Abstract

Describing the factors associated with the alcohol consumption, tobacco use, binge drinking, and “binge drinking and tobacco use” by college students. Cross-sectional study carried out with 356 first-semester college students of a public educational institution at Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits (alcohol consumption, tobacco and illicit drugs use, exposure time on screens, and eating habits), and health conditions (weight, height, self-rated health, symptoms of anxiety, and depression) were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata® software version 13.0. The prevalence of alcohol consumption, tobacco use, binge drinking, and “binge drinking and tobacco use” were 73.9%, 17.4%, 43.5%, and 13.4%, respectively. Had no religious beliefs was associated with alcohol consumption (OR: 1.86 95% CI 1.06–3.27), tobacco use (OR: 2.00 95% CI 1.06–3.78), and “binge drinking and tobacco use” (OR: 2.33 95% CI 1.09–4.96). Unhealthy eating habits was associated with alcohol consumption (OR: 2.06 95% CI 1.06–3.97) and tobacco use (OR: 2.74 95% CI 1.33–5.68; OR: 0.75 95% CI 0.31–1.80). Illicit drugs was associated with alcohol consumption (OR: 8.55 95% CI 1.12–65.42) and tobacco use (OR: 3.19 95% CI 1.20–8.51). Self-rated health was associated with tobacco use, combined (OR: 2.93 95% CI 1.37–6.28) or not (OR: 2.46 95% CI 1.32–4.61) with binge drinking. Additionally, tobacco use was associated with white skin color (OR: 2.62 95% CI 1.35–5.07) and being homosexual (OR: 0.37 95% CI 0.18–0.75). Moreover, “binge drinking” was associated with being overweight (OR: 1.72 95% CI 1.03–2.84). Associations remained in the age and sex adjustment. It was observed that some factors associated with alcohol consumption and tobacco use are modifiable risk factors. Therefore, we suggest strategic actions focusing on raising the population’s awareness to change these factors. Longitudinal studies are necessary to understand the causal relationship between studied variables and, thus, develop strategic actions to improve the life quality of this population group.