Abstract

MIL-SERRANO, Andrés et al. Health behaviors in college students: a Bayesian analysis. Vive Rev. Salud [online]. 2024, vol.7, n.19, pp.132-144.  Epub Jan 15, 2024. ISSN 2664-3243.  https://doi.org/10.33996/revistavive.v7i19.289.

Currently, several studies have explored the differences in health behaviors in university students according to characteristics such as age, sex and study cycle; however, these have focused on a frequentist approach based on the null hypothesis significance test (NHST). Objective. To explore the differences in health behaviors according to sex, age and academic cycle, as well as to establish the relationship between these and the perception of general health in Peruvian university students, from a Bayesian approach. Materials and methods. A quantitative, comparative, correlational and cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 708 intentionally selected university students. The health behaviors questionnaire (CEJUV-R) and a sociodemographic data sheet were used. Results. The findings show that men have better habits of activity and physical condition and sleep organization, with respect to women. Likewise, there is moderate evidence in favor of the alternative hypothesis of self-care as a function of age and academic cycle. Finally, physical activity, rest organization, self-care and sleep organization present very strong evidence (BF>100) of their relationship with the general perception of health. Conclusion. The Bayesian analysis showed evidence in favor of the alternative hypothesis in some of the health behaviors as a function of sex, age and academic cycle, which highlights the importance of promoting healthier behaviors among Peruvian university students according to their personal characteristics.

Keywords : Health-related behaviors; Lifestyles; Health promotion; Students; Bayesian analysis.

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