The prevalence and determinant factors of high-risk behaviours among medical students in North-West of Iran

High-risk behaviours, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, substance use, and pre/extramarital sex are considered major public health issues. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence rate of high-risk behaviours among medical students in the North-West of Iran. This study recruited 500 medical students of the Tabriz University of Medical Science. Data collection was performed by using the self-administered tool of the Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance System (YRBSS). Data analysis was done with the SPSS software version 16 by using the chi-squared test and logistic regression. The mean (standard deviation) of age for participants was 23.85 (2.36) years. The prevalence rates of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and pre/extramarital sexual contact were 18.88%, 11.62%, and 14.43%, respectively. The prevalence rates for use of substances and non-prescribed Ritalin were 9.22% and 16.03%, respectively. The current use was documented in 3.22% for substances and 4.02% for Ritalin. The prevalence rate of at least one of the five high-risk behaviours in the previous month was 25.00%. Males and students living alone were significantly more likely to conduct high-risk behaviours. Peer pressure was the most common motivator for these risky practices. About one-fourth of the students engaged in at least one of the high-risk behaviours in the previous 30 days, which is relatively high for medical students. Therefore, the student counselling centers should implement screening programs especially for males and students who live alone, to provide appropriate behavioural interventional programs for harm reduction. Timely attitude improvement programs are highly recommended from a younger age.