Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of alcohol consumption, tobacco use and risky sexual behaviour among adolescents, and to evaluate the socioeconomic factors potentially influencing these behaviours. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2011 among 376 adolescents (15-19 years old) studying in different schools and colleges in Udupi, India. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire and guidelines were followed for data collection. Participants' alcohol consumption, smoking habits and sexual behaviour patterns were explored. Univariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression was done. The prevalence of alcohol consumption, tobacco use and sexual activity was found to occur in 5.7%, 7.2% and 5.5% of participants, respectively. The mean age of the participants' first sexual activity, consumption of alcohol and tobacco use was reported to be approximately 16.8 years. Multivariate analysis showed that males were more likely to have used alcohol and tobacco. Other factors, such as religion and tobacco use among family members, were found to be influential. The potential coexistence of multiple risk behaviours in a student demands an integrated approach. Emphasis should be placed on health education in schools and an increased awareness among parents in order to prevent adolescents' behaviours from becoming a risk to their health.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of alcohol consumption, tobacco use and risky sexual behaviour among adolescents, and to evaluate the socioeconomic factors potentially influencing these behaviours
Advances in Knowledge - This study, the first of its kind, investigated the clustering of at-risk behaviours which might appear at an early stage among Indian adolescents. - Even though this study did not target a particular risk group, it can still give a proxy image of the existence of behavioural patterns
Applications to Patient Care - Determining the current prevalence of at-risk behaviours among Indian adolesents and their correlates could help in strengthening adolescent health programmes and health promotion activities targeting this age group. - The results of this study can be used to help tailor a targeted information programme
Summary
Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of alcohol consumption, tobacco use and risky sexual behaviour among adolescents, and to evaluate the socioeconomic factors potentially influencing these behaviours. YRB serve as a basis for measuring adolescent health over time as well as for the improved targeting of health policies and programmes.[1] The importance of this measure is based on its association with several mortality and morbidity outcomes, chronic disease resulting from substance use and misuse, sexually transmitted diseases and undesirable social outcomes such as unintended teenage pregnancies.[2] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 67% of premature deaths and 33% of the disease burden among adults is due to behavioural patterns that emerge during adolescence This includes unintended pregnancies due to unprotected sex, 11% of which occur in 15–19 year olds, with a prevalence of approximately 16 million girls.[3]. A recent study revealed that the high prevalence of tobacco use among Indians may contribute to 13.3% of total deaths by 2020.7
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