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- Title
A COMPREHENSIVE PROFILE OF HEALTH RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG STUDENTS AT A SMALL CANADIAN UNIVERSITY.
- Authors
Taylor, Jennifer P.; Mccarthy, Mary Jean; Herbert, Rosemary J.; Smith, Philip B.
- Abstract
Despite recent attention to health promotion and illness prevention, young people continue to engage in a variety of risk behaviors, which may negatively influence current and future health status. The purpose of this study was to create a comprehensive profile of health risk behaviors among undergraduate students at the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Two hundred ninety students completed a 104 item self-administered health risk behavior survey. Study findings indicate that students at UPEI, like other university students throughout Canada and the United States, engage in a variety of behaviors that increase their risk of serious health problems. Of particular concern are reports of specific risk behaviors relating to nutrition and weight status, episodic heavy drinking, use of condoms, and psychological distress. When a profile of risk behaviors was compiled, only 3% of students reported no risk behaviors; 88% of the students reported two or more risk behaviors; and 22% reported 5 or more risk behaviors. The profile of risk behaviors is concerning, especially given that health behaviors established during university years are likely to continue in later life. Universities are in a unique position to implement strategies to address these risk behaviors.
- Publication
College Student Journal, 2009, Vol 43, Issue 2, p255
- ISSN
0146-3934
- Publication type
Academic Journal