Health-Risk Behaviors and Dietary Patterns Among Jordanian College Students: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Health promotion and the incorporation of health-protective behaviors in people's lifestyles have a great role in enhancing individuals' overall health and well-being. College students are at increased risk of developing unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted to assess the health-risk behaviors among undergraduate college students at Jordan University of Science and Technology. Methods: The final sample included 136 students, with a mean age of 21.1 ± 2.37 years, mostly females (69%). A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection about dietary and lifestyle behaviors among college students. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: sociodemographic characteristics, body weight classifications, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary patterns and intake, and eating behaviors. Results: Most of the students did not meet the daily recommendations for fruit (76%) and vegetable (82%) intake. Males were significantly consuming fast food more frequently (p = 0.019), and smoked cigarettes (p < 0.001) or hookah (p = 0.015) more frequently than did females. Further, the majority met the recommendations for physical activity (81%), but exceeded recommendations for sedentary behavior. Females were more likely to have normal weight or be underweight (OR = 4.865), to have a fear of weight gain (OR = 3.387), and to have the recommended sleeping hours (OR = 7.685) than were males. Conclusion: The results indicate the health-risk behaviors and the gender-related differences among college students.

Keywords: behavior; college students; dietary pattern; fast-food; health risk; smoking.

Figure 1

Lifestyle behaviors of male and female college students and their classification according to reference recommendations. (A) Physical activity; 150 min of moderate intensity or 75 min of vigorous intensity activities, or an equivalent combination is recommended, (B) Hours sitting; sitting ≤ 4 h per day was considered low risk, (C) Screen use; screen time of ≤ 2 h per day was considered appropriate, and (D) Sleeping hours; 7–9 h of sleep is recommended, and 6 or 10–11 h of sleep is appropriate.

Figure 2

Smoking status of male and female college students, family members, and co-workers.

Figure 3

Dieting and eating behaviors of male and female college students.

Figure 4

Dietary intake for male and female college students from (A) Fast food, (B) Fruits; 4 servings per day for both genders is recommended, and (C) Vegetables; 5 servings per day for females and 6 servings per day for males are recommended.