Exploring Health Related Beliefs and Behaviours among Young Adults Attending a Professional College
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/5p9gjv85Keywords:
Young adults; Programs; Health related beliefs; Health related behaviours; Substance useAbstract
Background: The college period, a critical phase of young adulthood, offers growth opportunities but also presents challenges such as maintaining nutrition, managing time, coping with stress, and developing identity. During this time, young adults form health-related beliefs and behaviours that significantly impact long-term well-being. Aim & Objective: To assess health beliefs and behaviours, substance use prevalence, and common reasons for substance use among young adults in a professional college. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students aged 18–25 years enrolled in M.B.B.S., B.Sc. Nursing, BPT, and Yoga Sciences at a medical university in Northern India. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Among 396 participants, the average healthy lifestyle belief score was 25.9. Nutrition- and physical activity-related behaviour scores were 22.22 and 19.47, respectively. MBBS students demonstrated better healthy lifestyle beliefs. Males engaged more in physical activity, while B.Sc. Nursing students showed better nutrition behaviours. Substance use was higher among males and B.Sc. Nursing students, often cited to feel good or relieve tension. Conclusions: Health-related beliefs and behaviours vary among young adults. National health policies and prevention strategies in education are essential to improve outcomes and reduce substance use.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Anubhav Joshi, Deepshikha Chaudhary, Jayanti Semwal , Priyank Khanna, Akanksha Uniyal
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