Adolescent health

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Growth, development, and adaptation to numerous internal changes, as well as the changing roles of adolescents within the family and the community often take place within an environment of drug abuse, increased sexual freedom, weakened family structure, and under the strong influence of the media. Confronted with these pressures, adolescents often develop risky behaviours, which are also important health risks. Up to 75% of deaths and serious morbidity in adolescence is associated with risky behaviours. The aim of this study is to establish the frequency and types of risky behaviours in adolescents, as well as the characteristics of adolescents and families that engage in risky behaviours. We performed this research with the help of 789 adolescents, aged 10 to 19, from elementary and secondary schools in Novi Sad. The questionnaire included items on risky behaviours in adolescents, based on: age, sex, school achievement, and family characteristics: family composition, socioeconomic status, emotional support, family conflicts, and risky behaviours of other family members. The results demonstrated that a high percentage of adolescents in Novi Sad engage in risky behaviours. Significantly more girls than boys engage in numerous risky behaviours. In comparison to their peers, adolescents from poor families, from families with either one or both parents unemployed, from families with inadequate emotional support, from families with frequent conflicts, or from families whose members themselves engage in different risky behaviours, engage in numerous risky behaviours significantly more often. Considering the fact that adolescent engagement in risky behaviours significantly affects adolescent morbidity and mortality, it is essential to implement comprehensive preventative programmes, which should include all adolescents before they start to engage in risky behaviours. In this process, the most important role belongs to the family. However, the entire community, schools, and health workers, should also play an active part.