Risk-Taking Behaviors Among Students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Background: Risk behaviors can increase the risk of early mortality, disability, and chronic illness. Objectives: This study aimed to determine risk-taking behaviors in students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 215 students selected using a stratified sampling method. The self-administered Iranian Youth Risk-Taking Scale (IYRTS), consisting of 48 items, was used for data collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19 using the chi-square test. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of male and female students was 21.4 +/- 1.92 and 20.9 +/- 1.38 years, respectively. The rates of a history of physical violence, cigarette smoking, waterpipe smoking, alcohol use, and drug abuse were 37.7%, 37.2%, 47.9%, 33%, and 25.6%, respectively, and all were higher in male students (P < 0.05). Methylphenidate, ecstasy, and tramadol were the most prevalent drugs used by the students. physical inactivity was not different between male and female students (P = 0.42). Conclusions: In the present study, we found high consumption of cigarettes, waterpipe, alcohol, and drugs, as well as physical inactivity among the students.