Trends and psychosocial factors associated with health-risk behaviours among university students in South Africa

Abstract

Significant urbanisation and increased tertiary enrolment shifted lifestyle and health behaviours among young adults in South Africa. Therefore, we investigated the trends and psychosocial determinants associated with health-risk behaviours among university students in South Africa. Cross-sectional survey data collected during 2000 and 2012 of university students (n = 1 690; female = 55.1%, mean age = 21.6 year; SD = 3.6 years; black = 100%) were analysed. Findings indicated increased low physical activity, tobacco use, daily red meat consumption, and non-use of sunscreen, alongside decreased rates of skipping breakfast and eating fewer than three meals a day. Awareness of the connection between stress and high blood pressure improved, while belief in the benefits of regular exercise and a healthy diet decreased. These results highlight trending unhealthy behaviours in the student population and underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these risks among university students. Personal, school, and community level interventions are crucial to address these evolving health challenges.