Health behaviours in a Canadian community college sample: prevalence of drug use and interrelationships among behaviours.
This study investigated the prevalence of drug use among a Canadian college sample and the covariation of drug taking and other health-related behaviours. A representative sample of students at a community college in Alberta were interviewed using telephone surveys, mail-in questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Data was collected on drug, alcohol and caffeine use, cigarette smoking, eating habits, sleep habits and exercise. While use of illicit drugs did not appear to be widespread, alcohol appeared to be a primary substance abuse problem for a minority of subjects. Factor analysis indicated that the various health habits did not form one dimension of health-related behaviours. Four separate factors emerged: abusive drinking, eating habits, a drug use factor (caffeine intake, smoking, cannabis and hallucinogen use), and exercise levels. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research, treatment and intervention.
Mathieson
C M
CM
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Alberta.
Faris
P D
PD
Stam
H J
HJ
Egger
L A
LA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012494:Sampling Studies; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014495:Universities