Canvassing the epidemiology of risk behaviors in adolescent school students in a city of eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Adolescents while learning a new world of complex priorities; may make choices quickly or impulsively without giving legitimate critical thoughts. The aim was to determine the prevalence of risk behaviors among adolescents and its socio-demographic determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study done on 427 students enrolled in class IX-XII of schools in eastern Uttar Pradesh recruited via cluster sampling. The questionnaire included questions regarding the participant’s profile and risk behaviors. Data analysis was done with SPSS v23 and Chi-Square test. Results: Mean age was 14.86 years. 33% engaged in a physical fight and 25% sustained injuries more than once in the last one year. 15% were bullied. As a bystander, subjects from higher classes (XI-XII) and female gender seem to have more ‘avoiding’ tendencies whereas those from lower classes (IX and X) and male gender preferred to ‘stand against the bully and physical force to stop them’. 8.2% had to escape from school to avoid physical injury. 54% felt depressed, 17.6% contemplated suicide, and 4.4% attempted suicide. Though depression was predominant among rural girls and poor socio-economic status and academics; suicidal ideation and attempt was more common among boys. Conclusions: This study highlights the risk behaviours prevalent among Indian adolescents. It falls in the purview of the Government to improve policies, plan and monitor programs to strengthen the upcoming youth.