Comparison of health-promoting lifestyle behaviours between female students majoring in healthcare and non-healthcare fields in KSA

OBJECTIVE: University students are considered to be at a critical stage of their lives. As members of the young generation, they tend to adopt unhealthy behaviours. These behaviours can adversely impact their health. Level of health promotion is a significant determinant of health status. This study compared healthy lifestyle habits of female university students enrolled in health-related (previously published) and non-health-related (present study) programmes in the KSA to identify variations and associations between such habits and demographic characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) questionnaire, was conducted on third- and fourth-year non-health profession female students (n = 411). The data were compared with previously published data on female health profession students (n = 249). RESULTS: A low overall HPLP-II score of 2.39 ± .358 with significant variation between the two groups was observed (p < .05). Significant correlations (p < .05) were found between the total and domain scores by demographic variables. The non-health group had significantly more frequent engagement in physical activity than the health group, who showed better health responsibility, spiritual growth, and interpersonal relation practices. Decline of spiritual growth in non-health group and poor stress management in health group were also found. CONCLUSIONS: Low overall HPLP-II scores in both groups, with the highest mean score in spiritual growth and lowest in physical health, reflect the current attitude of the young generation. The introduction of a ‘wellbeing and health curriculum’ with adequate support from the physical environment and a culture that promotes physical wellbeing is needed.