Gender differences in health habits and motivation for a healthy lifestyle among UiTM Puncak Alam students

Gender differences in health habits and motivation for a healthy lifestyle among UiTM Puncak Alam students are crucial areas of research, with significant implications for public health and well-being. Understanding these differences is essential for developing tailored health promotion initiatives, especially in the context of university students transitioning to adulthood and forming long-term health habits. Aim: This study aims to explore the health behaviours and motivation of male and female student at UiTM Puncak Alam. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted with where sample about 313 students where 73 of them is a male and others which is 240 is a female was surveyed using a online questionnaire in google form. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: Sociodemographic information, health complaints, motivation for a healthy lifestyle, and questions regarding health habits. Data were analyzed using chi-square and t-test to identify significant difference between genders. Result: The study findings indicate significant differences between male and female students across various health-related variables. Male students showed higher levels of tobacco use (r = 0.503**, p < 0.01) and alcohol consumption (r = 0.411**, p < 0.01) compared to females. Stress levels were notably correlated with poorer self-rated health among males (r = 0.376**, p < 0.01), highlighting the need for stress management interventions. In contrast, female students exhibited stronger correlations between motivation for a healthy lifestyle and self-rated health (r = 0.834) and healthier food habits (r = 0.346**, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The study indicates that significant differences in both gender of students in UiTM Puncak Alam in health habits and motivation for healthy lifestyle. Intervention promoting more healthier habits and motivation should reconsider to improve student lifestyle in more healthier ways.