Assessment of health risk behaviours among university students: a cross-sectional study in Lebanon

Abstract

There are insufficient data concerning health risk behaviours of university students in the Middle East, particularly Lebanon. Our objective was to identify health risk factors among university students in Lebanon, focusing on preventable behaviours. A cross-sectional study was carried out, using a proportionate cluster sample of Lebanese students in public and private universities. A standardised questionnaire was distributed across university campuses. Data concerning socio-demographic characteristics, toxic substances consumption (including tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs), nutrition and sedentarity behaviours, in addition to sexual behaviours, were collected. Among 3384 participants, 20% were current cigarette smokers, while 23% were current waterpipe smokers and 33.5% declared consuming alcohol. Higher rates were found for smoking and alcohol consumption in private versus public universities (p < 0.001). Participants also reported a very low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, 31% of boys and 8.6% of girls declared having regular sexual activity; among them, 41% of boys and 26% of girls declared using a condom regularly. Substantial proportions of university students in Lebanon adopt risky behaviours for health, particularly in private universities. Health-promotion activities should be established to decrease the occurrence of these behaviours and prevent their future adverse health outcomes.