Abstract
BackgroundHealth-related risky behaviors (HRB) generally refer to behaviors that have a negative influence on health and quality of life. HRB in adolescents with autism have not been well understood so far. We aim to explore health-related risky behaviors and their risk factors with autistic adolescents.MethodsIn this study, 150 adolescents with autism and 150 neurotypical adolescents were enrolled. Participants in both groups completed the Adolescent Health-Related Risky Behavior Inventory (AHRBI). Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Theory of Mind (ToM) Test, Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Esteem Scale (SES) were also assessed in the autism group to explore risk factors.ResultsThe results showed that the total score of AHRBI and scores of "aggression and violence (AV)", "suicide or self-injury (SS)", "health-compromising behavior (HCB)", and "unprotected sex (US)" subscales in the autism group were significantly higher than those in the control group (Z value = − 4.58 ~ − 2.26, all P < 0.05). Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low IQ score, low ToM test score, increasing age, and communication disorder were found as risk factors for health-related risky behaviors in autistic adolescents.ConclusionsAdolescents with autism have more health-related risky behaviors than neurotypical adolescents. We should pay attention to the emotional state, self-esteem, cognitive function, and verbal communication levels of autistic adolescent with health-related risky behaviors.
Highlights
Health-related risky behaviors (HRB) generally refer to behaviors that have a negative influence on health and quality of life
The parents and participants in both groups were interviewed according to Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Child-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) by two psychiatrists. 150 adolescents with autism were in the autism group and 150 neurotypical adolescents were in the control group
The mean Intelligence quotient (IQ) in the autism group was 91.09 ± 4.72, while no result was provided for control group
Summary
Health-related risky behaviors (HRB) generally refer to behaviors that have a negative influence on health and quality of life. Previous studies have found that autism was associated with a variety of health-related risky behaviors (HRB), which may have adverse effects on their health and quality of life [6,7,8]. These behaviors including aggression and violence, smoking, alcohol and drug addiction, sexual behaviors related to accidental pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of exercise may cause psychosomatic injuries [9]. It is highly essential to take the multifaceted nature of risky behaviors into consideration when studying this issue in individuals with autism
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