Youth Health Risk Behavior Assessment among University Students in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Health risk behavior is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. The social and economic costs associated with these behaviors can be reduced by changes in individuals’ behavior. Health-related behavior can either enhance or damage physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Human behavior is influenced by an individual’s health consciousness. OBJECTIVE is to study health related behavior that includes dietary habits, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption, screen time and behavior related to unintentional injury among students attending public universities in Baghdad. METHODS: Study design is Cross Sectional Study; sampling method is multi-stage Cluster sampling. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect student data, a total of 1836 students participated in the study RESULTS: Among the 1836 students who participated in the study, 21.4% are smokers, only 3.4% use seatbelts while driving, 11% took medicine without prescription and 78% did not perform regular exercise. 85% of students use the internet at least three hours per day. Dietary habits of students were average based on diet recommendation. CONCLUSION: Health related behavior traits were average among university students in Baghdad. Policy changes to reinforce stringent road traffic safety measures and initiate regular health promotion programs in universities to motivate students to be more proactive towards their health and fitness.