Lifestyle and risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases among healthcare undergraduates in Midwest, Brazil.

This study aimed to assess the lifestyle of undergraduate university students, and to investigate the prevalence of risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases. This cross-sectional study took place in Brasilia, with 2.163 healthcare undergraduates. We used a self-administered questionnaire for demographic variables, social class, behavioral data, self-perception of health and self-reported diseases. Given a total of 2.163 students, 69.3% were female, 65.4% were 20-29 years, men smoked more cigarettes (p < 0.01) and used more alcohol than women. We found significant differences in the consumption of beans (p < 0.04) and full-fat milk (p < 0.01) between females and males. Women also had more sedentary lifestyles (p < 0.01) and showed higher prevalences of overweight (33.8%) and obesity (5.0%). Students who did not engage in physical activity were more morbidities, overweight (p = 0.03), consumed more soft drinks (p < 0.01) and meat with excess fat (p = 0.01). University students were found to have unhealthy lifestyles. There is an urgent need for both a formulation and implementation of public health policies to promote health and improve student quality of life (QoL).

Lifestyle and risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases among healthcare undergraduates in Midwest, Brazil / Estilo de vida e comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre universitários da saúde na região Centro-Oeste, Brasil

Abstract This study aimed to assess the lifestyle of undergraduate university students, and to investigate the prevalence of risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases. This cross-sectional study took place in Brasilia, with 2.163 healthcare undergraduates. We used a self-administered questionnaire for demographic variables, social class, behavioral data, self-perception of health and self-reported diseases. Given a total of 2.163 students, 69.3% were female, 65.4% were 20-29 years, men smoked more cigarettes (p < 0.01) and used more alcohol than women. We found significant differences in the consumption of beans (p < 0.04) and full-fat milk (p < 0.01) between females and males. Women also had more sedentary lifestyles (p < 0.01) and showed higher prevalences of overweight (33.8%) and obesity (5.0%). Students who did not engage in physical activity were more morbidities, overweight (p = 0.03), consumed more soft drinks (p < 0.01) and meat with excess fat (p = 0.01). University students were found to have unhealthy lifestyles. There is an urgent need for both a formulation and implementation of public health policies to promote health and improve student quality of life (QoL).

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o estilo de vida dos universitários e investigar a prevalência de comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Estudo transversal com 2.163 universitários da área de saúde da cidade de Brasília. Foi aplicado um questionário sobre as variáveis demográficas, classe social, comportamentos e autopercepção de saúde e doenças autorreferidas. Dos 2.163, 69,3% eram mulheres, 65,4% idade entre 20 a 29 anos, 66,8% consumiam álcool e 44,2% não realizavam atividade física. Os homens fumavam (p <0,01) e consumiam mais álcool do que as mulheres. Encontramos diferenças no consumo de feijão (p <0,04) e leite integral (p <0,01) entre homens e mulheres. Elas também apresentaram estilos de vida mais sedentários (p <0,01) e elevada prevalência de sobrepeso (33,8%) e obesidade (5,0%). Os estudantes que não praticavam atividade física tinham mais morbidades, estavam acima do peso (p = 0,03), consumiam mais refrigerantes (p <0,01) e carne com excesso de gordura (p = 0,01). Os estudantes têm adotado um estilo de vida pouco saudável. Observa-se a necessidade da elaboração e implantação de políticas públicas de promoção da saúde dentro da Universidade, com vistas à melhoria da saúde e da qualidade de vida dos universitários.

Weight status, physical activity and eating habits of young adults in Midwest Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess weight status and eating habits of undergraduate university students in relation to gender and examine the relationships between weight status, physical activity and eating habits. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study conducted between October 2016 and May 2017. SETTING: Young adults in Midwest Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduate university students (n 2163) majoring in health care. RESULTS: Among 2163 students, 69·3 % were female, 65·4 % were aged 20-29 years, 66·8% consumed alcohol and 44·2% did not achieve more than 150 min of physical activity per week. We found significant differences in the consumption of beans (P < 0·04) and full-fat milk (P < 0·01) between women and men. Women also had more sedentary lifestyles (P < 0·01) and showed higher prevalence of overweight (33·8 %) and obesity (5·0 %) than men. Students who did not engage in physical activity were more overweight (P = 0·03), consumed more soft drinks (P < 0·01) and meat with excess fat (P = 0·01). There was a positive association between weight status and fruit (P = 0·02), salad (P < 0·01), greens/vegetables (P < 0·01) and beans (P < 0·01) intake. CONCLUSIONS: The low level of physical activity and unhealthy eating patterns reported by the study participants were inconsistent with the national recommendations for a healthy active lifestyle for adults and may contribute to the increasing rate of overweight and obesity in this population. A joint effort between universities and all relevant government agencies is needed to develop and promote school- and community-based interventions.