https://irmhs.com/index.php/irmhs/issue/feed 2026-01-21T02:46:48-05:00 Jose Luis Turabian editor.irmhs@gmail.com Open Journal Systems https://irmhs.com/index.php/irmhs/article/view/199 2026-01-21T02:46:48-05:00 Joseph Kamaloni kamalonijoseph5@gmail.com Samuel Nyirenda jkamaloni@evelynhone.edu.zm Teliwe Mpingilwa jkamaloni@evelynhone.edu.zm

<p><strong>Background:</strong> 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).</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> 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 &lt; 0.05).</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> 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.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> 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.</p>

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