The purpose of the study was to examine the health behaviors and practices of Puerto Rican college students. The study focused on the relationship between six variables that are used to predict prevention behavior and specific health risk behavior areas: health status, alcohol and tobacco use, sexual behavior, dietary and weight control behavior, and physical activity. The study utilized 46 selected items from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Spanish Questionnaire. 635 subjects at the University of Puerto Rico participated in the study. A descriptive analysis of the six behavioral categories contributing to morbidity among Puerto Rican college students was developed. The relationships between gender, age, and body mass index were analyzed using chi-square test at a level of significance of 0.05. 58% of the 635 participants were aged 20 to 24 years; the median age was 21 years. 65% of the participants were women: 35% were men. 43% perceived themselves as being very healthy. 69% perceived themselves as being of normal weight; 48% of the students reported they were trying to lose or maintain their weight. Approximately 55% of the participants reported they typically consumed more than five drinks of alcohol during social activity. Condoms were used by 23% during their recent sexual intercourse but not used by 42% A significant association between gender and exercise and weight control was revealed by the data analysis. The findings suggest the need for further exploratory studies of Puerto Rican college students and a greater focus on integrating health promotion and prevention efforts into the curriculum and campus activities.
Learning Objectives: none
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.