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Health-Promoting Behavior and Lifestyle Characteristics of Students as a Function of Sex and Academic Level

Author

Listed:
  • Carsten Müller

    (Department of Applied Health Sciences, Hochschule für Gesundheit, 44801 Bochum, Germany
    University Sports, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany)

  • Kareem El-Ansari

    (Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11591, Egypt)

  • Walid El Ansari

    (Department of Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
    College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
    Weill Cornell Medicine—Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar)

Abstract

University students frequently engage in unhealthy behaviors. However, there is a lack of studies examining a wide range of their lifestyle characteristics by sex and academic level of study. This cross-sectional survey of students enrolled in BSc, MSc, or PhD programs at one university in Germany ( N = 3389) assessed physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), nutrition, sleep quality, and alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use by sex and academic level and was conducted with EvaSys version 8.0. Chi-squared tests compared categorical variables by sex, and binary logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex with Bonferroni adjustments evaluated differences across academic level. Although 91% of students achieved the aerobic PA guidelines, only 30% achieved the muscle strengthening exercises (MSE) guidelines, and 44% had high SB. Likewise, <10% met the fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) recommendations, >40% of students experienced impaired sleep, and >30% had hazardous alcohol consumption. Less than 20% of the sample achieved the guideline/recommendation of all three PA, MSE and SB. Some behaviors exhibited significant sex and academic level differences. The identified at-risk groups included males (lower FVC), females (eating more during stress), and BSc students (poorer nutrition/sleep quality, more ATOD use). Given the above findings, multipronged strategies are needed with an overarching focus highlighting the health–academic achievement links. Behavioral interventions and environmental policies are required to raise awareness and promote student health.

Suggested Citation

  • Carsten Müller & Kareem El-Ansari & Walid El Ansari, 2022. "Health-Promoting Behavior and Lifestyle Characteristics of Students as a Function of Sex and Academic Level," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7539-:d:843229
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carsten Müller & Kareem El-Ansari & Walid El Ansari, 2022. "Cross-Sectional Analysis of Mental Health among University Students: Do Sex and Academic Level Matter?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-14, October.

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