Alcohol Use and Unhealthy Dietary Behaviors among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey in the Physiotherapy Department at Lusaka Apex Medical University

Joseph Kamaloni, Samuel Nyirenda, Teliwe Mpingilwa — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 02:46:34 -0500

Background: University life is a critical period for establishing lifelong health behaviors. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of alcohol use and unhealthy dietary behaviors among physiotherapy students at Lusaka Apex Medical University (LAMU).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 139 physiotherapy students using a modified National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (NCHRBS) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16, with bivariate analysis and Pearson's Chi-square test determining associations at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05).

Results: The study found that 33.3% of participants were at risk of alcohol-related health conditions, while 23% were at risk of diet-related health conditions. Male students were more likely to be at risk of alcohol-related conditions, whereas females were more likely to be at risk of diet-related conditions. A significant association was found between parental alcohol consumption and students' drinking behavior (p = 0.002), but not between peer drinking and students' alcohol use.

Conclusion: Parental influence is a significant factor in students' drinking behavior. Health promotion interventions targeting family influences and dietary education are recommended for university settings to mitigate these risks.

Renal Tuberculosis, the Great Mimicker: From Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection to Nephrectomy

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is more common in immunocompromised patients such as HIV, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, patients on immunosuppressants, children <15 years old and elderly individuals above the age of 65. Urogenital TB occurs in 2-20% of individuals with pulmonary TB (1). It is frequently misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness among clinicians, non-specific symptoms and slow progression of disease. A low threshold for investigation towards genitourinary TB is needed in patients who are immunosuppressed and present with recurrent urinary tract infection despite being on a standard antibiotic regimen. Prompt treatment is warranted in such patients. In this case report, we will discuss a case of renal TB which was diagnosed late and resulted in devastating complications.

International Research in Medical and Health Sciences

Alcohol Use and Unhealthy Dietary Behaviors among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey in the Physiotherapy Department at Lusaka Apex Medical University

Renal Tuberculosis, the Great Mimicker: From Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection to Nephrectomy