Patterns of alcohol and tobacco use amongst active and sedentary University of Malta students

Abstract

By drawing on a previous study carried out by Carmel Cefai and Liberato Camilleri (2009) this study attempts to re-investigate a sector within this past study by focusing on patterns of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption between active and inactive students attending the University of Malta. A quantitative approach was selected for this study. A large sample was targeted with a total of 525 participants taking part in an online survey. Results from this study are compared to the findings from the 2009 study to get a clear picture of where University students stand in terms of smoking, drinking habits as well as active lifestyles. This study would prove to be beneficial as it presents a clear picture of specific patterns within the lifestyles of University students. Thus, this information has the potential to provide methods which would help reduce or change youth lifestyles. Findings from this study show that 60.2% of University students lead an active lifestyle whilst 39.4% of respondents state that they are not active. When looking at tobacco smoking only 24.2% stated that they smoke tobacco while 75.4% do not. Findings show that 83.4% of student respondents consume alcohol while 16.2% said that they do not.