Health Status and Health Behaviors in Venezuelan Pharmacy Students

Abstract

ObjectivesThe goals of this study were to assess the self-reported health status of Venezuelan pharmacy students, and to examine the association between self-reported health status and health behaviors in these individuals. MethodsA random sample 171 of pharmacy students, ranging in age from 18 to 35 years were surveyed using a written questionnaire. Health status was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Health Survey Short-Form 36 (SF-36). The sample consisted of 127 women and 44 men. The sample had a mean age of 22.3 ± 2.71 years. The associations between health status and health behaviors were examined using both bivariate and multivariate models. The bivariate association was examined by t tests. Multiple regression analysis was used to model each SF-36 score separately using as independent variables sex, lack of regular exercise, regular smoking, and alcohol consumption. ResultsThe regression model explained between 6% and 12% of the variance in perceived health status. Controlling for other variables in the model, male students had significantly higher scores in bodily pain, general health, vitality, and social functioning than female students. Controlling for other variables in the model, lack of regular exercise was associated with significantly lower scores in physical functioning, bodily pain, and vitality; and regular smoking with significantly lower scores in physical functioning and general health. Controlling for other variables in the model, students who reported consuming alcohol had significantly higher scores in role-physical, bodily pain, and social functioning than students who did not report to consuming alcohol. ConclusionsThis exploratory study demonstrates sex differences in health behaviors and perceived health status in pharmacy students. Health status is associated with several health behaviors in this sample of pharmacy students.