Abstract

Shikhah Almobayed and Andrew P. Smith*

ABSTRACT

Background: Research has investigated associations between health-related behaviours and health outcomes. This study examined general health and well-being, measured using the student well-being process questionnaire (WPQ). Health-related behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption and sleep) were also measured, as was diet using the Diet and Behaviour Scale (DABS). Methods: An online survey of 552 university students was carried out using the Qualtrics platform. Results: Univariate analyses showed that established predictors of well-being and health were associated with the outcomes. Health-related behaviours were also correlated with well-being and health. When regressions, including established predictors and health-related behaviours in the model, were carried out, most of the associations between health-related behaviours and outcomes were not significant. Some associations remained significant. Smoking was associated with greater negative well-being, whereas good sleep and more frequent alcohol consumption were associated with lower negative well-being. Good sleep was also associated with better general health. Conclusion: The established predictors of well-being showed their usual associations with the outcomes. Health-related behaviours were also associated with well-being and health. Regressions including both established predictors and health-related behaviours, showed that only smoking, alcohol consumption and sleep were associated with the outcomes. Further research is required to determine the mechanisms underlying such effects and to evaluate the practical significance of them.