Multiple health behavior clusters among female college students

To examine prevalence of multiple unhealthful behaviors and detect clusters of unhealthful behaviors among college women.

Women ages 18-22 enrolled full-time at an urban university located in the Northeastern United States were invited to complete an online survey, which assessed maintenance behaviors: fruits/vegetables, physical activity, cervical screening and at-risk behaviors: frequent drinking, smoking, and non-use of protective measures during sexual intercourse. Of 4774 invited, complete data is available for 1463 participants (1463/4774=30.6%).

Nearly 65% had two or more unhealthful behaviors. Three distinct clusters were defined: cluster one included women who were lower in health maintenance and higher in at-risk behaviors; cluster two included women who were lower in health maintenance and lower in at-risk behaviors; and cluster three included women who were higher in health maintenance and intermediate in at-risk behaviors.

These clustering patterns suggest health programs directed at college students address multiple behaviors simultaneously.

Programs targeting multiple behaviors should consider activities for those seen within and outside of the context of health services.