Health risk behaviors among adolescents and related factors in Binh Dinh province in 2019

Abstract

To describe the prevalence of health - risk behaviors among secondary school students in Binh Dinh province, as well as the associated factors, a cross - sectional study was conducted on 2081 students aged 12 to 15 years from three secondary schools in Binh Dinh province, November 2019. The data were collected by indirect interview using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of health - risk behaviors among secondary school students in Binh Dinh province was still high, especially consuming fatty foods (32.1%). 14 years-old and 15 years-old consumed more fatty foods and used more smart devices than 12 years-old students. Students of 15 years old consumed more soft drinks and participated in less physical activity than the 12-year-olds. Boys consumed more fast food, alcohol, soft drinks, and tobacco than girls. Additionally, girls consumed more fatty foods, used smart devices more frequently, and engaged in less physical activity than male students. Consumption of fatty meals, soft drinks, and fast food; alcohol usage; less physical activity; smoking habits and use of smart devices were discovered to be associated with age and gender of research participants. Health promotion interventions focusing on health risk behaviors related to eating and living habits should be considered.