Health-Promoting Lifestyle and its Determinants among University Students in Mogadishu, Somalia

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the healthy lifestyle behaviors of students at a university in Mogadishu, Somalia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 347 university students >16 in Mogadishu, Somalia, from October to December 2020. The data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) Scale throughout that period. Demographic characteristics and health- promoting lifestyle were evaluated. T-test, Anova, post hoc (Tukey, LSD) and multiple regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. The healthy lifestyle behavior point averages of the students were found to be at a medium level (125.8±24.60). A significant difference was found in the total mean HPLP-II scores by gender, age, diagnosis of health problems, and exercise habits (p<0.05). The data showed significant associations among some subscales of the HPLP-II, gender, age, education level of mother, income status and have a chronic health problem, while participating in sporting activities was found to be statistically significant with all subscales of the HPLP-II (p < 0.05). Students’ lifestyle behaviors were found to be moderately healthy. Intervention studies are needed to support Somali students in making healthy lifestyle choices and improve their health promotion attitudes.