The top six risky behaviors among Iranian university students: a national survey

Background Multiple risk-taking behaviors are associated with increased risk of poor educational attainment, morbidity and premature mortality. This study involved a large representative sample of Iranian university students addressing multiple risk behaviors and associated factors. Methods This cross-sectional study included 4261 participants, involving 13 medical universities throughout the country in 2017. The following six risky behaviors were addressed: (a) smoking cigarettes during the past month, (b) using some kinds of illicit drugs during the past month, (c) drinking alcohol during the past month, (d) engaging unprotected sex during the past year, (e) having suicidal ideation during the past month or attempting suicide in the past year, (f) and Internet addiction. The 20-item internet addiction test and the 28-item general health questionnaire were used. Results Almost 37.3% of the participants engaged in at least one out of six risky behaviors. The prevalence of Internet addiction was 24.5%, cigarette smoking 13.5%, alcohol use 7.8%, illicit drug abuse 4.9%, unprotected sex 7.8%, suicidal ideation 7.4%, attempting suicide 1.7% and general health problems 38.9%. Conclusion A majority of the Iranian university students studied engaged in at least one risky behavior. Engaging in one risky behavior increases the risk of engaging in other risk-taking behaviors.