Adolescent Health-Related Behaviors in Postwar Lebanon: Findings among Students at the American University of Beirut

Abstract

This study presents the findings of a survey of health risk behaviors of entering students at the American University of Beirut as a first attempt to examine adolescent health behaviors in postwar Lebanon. The final sample used for analysis included 954 students. The most frequently occurring risk behaviors were unhealthy dietary patterns, lack of seat belt use, lack of exercise, and poor oral hygiene. Also common were physical fighting, smoking, and alcohol use. Sexual activity, drug and sedative use, and suicide ideation were least common. Gender was a main influencing factor. Eighty-nine percent of students reported two or more risk behaviors. Interpretation of our data in comparison with studies from the United States and other Middle Eastern countries showed both areas of similarities and areas of differences. Results point to the need for health promoting interventions, particularly in the policy area.