Prevalence of Health-Risk Behaviors and Mental Well-Being of ASEAN University Students in COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Hanif Abdul Raman, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Areekul Amornsriwatanakul, Mahidol University
Khadizah H. Abdul-Mumin, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Denny Agustiningsih, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
Surasak Chaiyasong, Mahasarakham University
Michael Chia, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Supat Chupradit, Chiang Mai University
Le Quang Huy, Vietnam National University
Katiya Ivanovitch, Thammasat University
Ma. Henrietta Teresa O. de la Cruz, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Ateneo de Manila University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-12-2022

Abstract

The prevalence of epidemiological health-risk behaviors and mental well-being in the COVID-19 pandemic, stratified by sociodemographic factors in Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) university students, were examined in the research. Data were collected in March–June 2021 via an online survey from 15,366 university students from 17 universities in seven ASEAN countries. Analyzed data comprised results on physical activity, health-related behaviors, mental well-being, and sociodemographic information. A large proportion of university students consumed sugar-sweetened beverages (82.0%; 95%CI: 81.4, 82.6) and snacks/fast food daily (65.2%; 95%CI: 64.4, 66.0). About half (52.2%; 95%CI: 51.4, 53.0) consumed less than the recommended daily amounts of fruit/vegetable and had high salt intake (54%; 95%CI: 53.3, 54.8). Physical inactivity was estimated at 39.7% (95%CI: 38.9, 40.5). A minority (16.7%; 95%CI: 16.1, 17.3) had low mental well-being, smoked (8.9%; 95%CI: 8.4, 9.3), and drank alcohol (13.4%; 95%CI: 12.8, 13.9). Country and body mass index had a significant correlation with many health-risk behaviors and mental well-being. The research provided important baseline data for guidance and for the monitoring of health outcomes among ASEAN university students and concludes that healthy diet, physical activity, and mental well-being should be key priority health areas for promotion among university students.

Recommended Citation

Rahman, H.A., Amornsriwatanakul, A., Abdul-Mumin, K.H., Agustiningsih, D., Chaiyasong, S., Chia, M., Chupradit, S., Huy, L.Q., Ivanovitch, K., Nurmala, I., Abdul Majid, H.B., Nazan, A.I.N.M., Rodjarkpai, Y., De la Cruz, M.H.T.O., Mahmudiono, T., Sriboonma, K., Sudnongbua, S., Vidiawati, D., Wattanapisit, A., . . . Rosenberg, M. (2022). Prevalence of Health-Risk Behaviors and Mental Well-Being of ASEAN University Students in COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph19148528