Abstract
BackgroundStudents engage in risky health-related behaviours that influence their current and future health status. Health-related behaviours cluster among adults and differently based on sub-populations characteristics but research is lacking for university populations. Examining the clustering of health- related behaviours can inform our initiatives and strategies, while examining cluster members’ characteristics can help target those who can prosper most from health promotion efforts. This study examines the clustering of health-related behaviours in Irish university students, and investigates the relationship with students’ sex, age, field of study and accommodation type.MethodsAn online survey was completed by 5672 Irish university students (51.3% male; 21.60 ± 5.65 years) during 2014. Two-step cluster analysis was used to understand how health-related behaviours (physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, drug use and dietary habits) cluster among male and female students. Binary logistic regressions were conducted to examine the likelihood of students falling into certain clusters based on their characteristics.ResultsFive cluster groups were identified in males and four in females. A quarter of males were categorised as ideal healthy with older students and those from certain fields of study having a higher likelihood of being classified in a low physical activity and poor diet (OR = 1.06–2.89), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.03–3.04), or smoking and drug use (OR = 1.06–2.73) cluster. Forty-five percent of females were categorised as ideal healthy with older females more likely to be in a low active and smoking cluster (OR = 1.03), and less likely to be in a convenience food cluster (OR = 0.96). Females from certain fields of study were also more likely to be classified in these clusters (OR = 1.59–1.76). Students living away from their family home had in increased likelihood of being in a cluster related to a higher frequency of alcohol consumption (OR = 1.72–3.05).ConclusionHealth-related behaviours cluster among this population and need to be taken into account when designing multi-health interventions and policies. These findings can be used to target student groups at risk, leading to more efficient and successful health promotion efforts. The addition of modules providing information regarding health-related behaviours are advised in all fields of study.
Highlights
Students engage in risky health-related behaviours that influence their current and future health status
After data cleaning, the analytical sample comprised of 5672 participants (51.3% male; 21.60 ± 5.65 years)
A higher proportion of male students met the physical activity guidelines (PAGL), had a higher frequency of alcohol consumption, smoked, reported current or past drug use, and consumed convenience foods more/ than once a week
Summary
Students engage in risky health-related behaviours that influence their current and future health status. Alcohol abuse, smoking tobacco, and poor dietary behaviours are suggested as the four main contributors to diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and certain cancer [1]. There is a risk that individuals will engage in risky HRB such as above, including illicit drug use, as they gain increased independence when they transition from high school to university [4, 5]. A recent study found that 36% of Irish university students (n = 8122; 49.1% male; 23.17 ± 6.75 years) reported being insufficiently active, while 22% drank alcohol at least twice a week, 21% smoke tobacco (occasionally or frequently), and 20% had previous or current illicit drug use [6]. Much like with physical activity (PA), some students fail to maintain healthy dietary behaviours, which are associated with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases [4, 9, 10]
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