Objective: Vaping, initially a smoking cessation aid, is now a widespread recreational activity sometimes associated with perceived health concerns. This study explored attitudes, harm perceptions and cessation barriers in the context of participants' vaping behaviours, guided by the theoretical lens of fundamental social causes. Design and…

Objective: Dieting is a known risk factor for disordered eating, yet many college women engage in this behavior. Given the popularity of diets, and the risks associated with dieting, it is important to enhance understanding of dieters' experiences. This study utilized a qualitative approach to investigate college women's experiences of dieting.…

This study investigated differences in alcohol protective behavioral strategy (PBSA) use and negative consequences (ARNC) experienced among heavy alcohol users and non-heavy alcohol users, and risky and non-risky drinkers. Participants were from 12 universities in the United States (n = 2,163 college students, M[subscript age] = 19.47),…

Objective: To examine associations among college students' worry about COVID-19, use of healthy and unhealthy coping techniques, and sleep-related impairment. Participants: The sample consisted of 366 undergraduate students (M[subscript age] =19.48 ± 1.76 years, 63.4% women; 62.6% college freshman). Methods: University students completed a series…

Sensation seeking is a significant predictor of alcohol-related consequences among high school students. High school seniors report the highest prevalence rates of alcohol use and binge drinking among students in high school. Among high sensation-seeking students, higher rates of Protective Behavioral Strategies (PBS) use are associated with fewer…

This study aimed to assess the effect of web-based reproductive health education provided to university students in Turkey on their belief in sexual myths and risky behaviours. A randomised controlled trial was conducted in a state university between March-October 2021 with 96 students. The web-based health education was developed using the ADDIE…

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the determinants of healthy lifestyle behavior in married people. It also sought to propose an integrative model that incorporates variables from two theoretical models, namely, the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the health belief model (HBM), as well as two additional variables, namely habit and body…

Objective: To assess changes in perceptions of COVID-19 worry and perceived severity, changes in COVID-19 vaccination status, and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among college students. Participants: 2,252 participants were recruited from a personal wellness course across four academic semesters at a large public university. Methods: Participants…

Objective: College students experience elevated rates of alcohol and sexual risk behaviors, but underrepresentation of rural institutions precludes tailored intervention. This study characterizes prevalence and short-term alcohol-sex risk at a rural institution. Participants: Undergraduates at a rural northeastern university. Method: Online health…

Youth are disproportionately affected by substance use and associated sexual risk behaviors, increasing STI and HIV susceptibility. This study analyzed the interplay between alcohol/drug use before sex (ABS/DBS), perceived sex approval (e.g., perceived familial or peer approval in engaging in sex), and HIV/STI risk perception among youth aged…

Objective: To understand how student perceptions of physical health and generalized concern about infection influenced engagement in COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Participants: 418 full-time undergraduate and graduate students attending a public university in South Carolina, USA. Methods: A self-administered survey was distributed during the…

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the association between life skills (self-awareness (SA)) and risky sexual behaviours among adolescents in primary schools. It was thought so because a larger number of adolescents engage in risky sexual behaviours and life skills were among the preventive measures. Design/methodology/approach: This…

Objective: This study examined the independent and joint effects of ADHD status, distress tolerance, and delay of gratification on the propensity to engage in health risk behaviors (drug use, alcohol use, disordered eating). Participants/Methods Participants: included 115 female college students (41.7% with ADHD) who completed online…

This study updates the prevalence of high school student homelessness in the United States and its relation to other problems. In 2023, high school students in the United States reported a student homelessness rate of 3.4%, a 26% increase from 2021. Students who experienced homelessness were 2 to 3 times as likely to experience other problems,…

Adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) has significant sequelae and is more prevalent among sexual and gender-diverse youth (SGDY). Increased parental involvement and communication has been linked to decreased prevalence of ARA and associated health risks. Parents of SGDY may have unique needs and experiences regarding communicating with their…