Risk-taking behaviors of the Tehran city; Iranian college students in 2018

Abstract

Background and aims: High-risk behaviors among different strata are one of the most severe health threats in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of high-risk behaviors among college students in Iran. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study with 144 new students in Tehran City, Iran, performed in 2018 using random sampling. The data collection tools included questions on demographic variables and Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) questionnaire. Students completed the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and descriptive tests. Results: In this study, all students were in their first year of university. The results showed that 66% of students were girls and 34% were boys. 6.9% and 9% of students did not wear helmets when riding motorcycles or sitting in the driver’s seat, respectively. Also, threatened and beaten once with a weapon such as a knife or a stick and physically assaulted or beaten once were seen in 9% and 3.6% of students, respectively.9.7% had taken money from their parents or others once without permission. Conclusion: Based on the findings, many participants engage in high-risk behaviors that endanger their health; Therefore, designing and improving health programs and strategies is essential to reduce the risks and factors that cause high-risk behaviors.