Selected outcomes from the study The Youth and Parents Risk Factor Behavior Survey in Bratislava

Abstract

Abstract Background The cross-sectional study of behavioural risk factors in adolescents and adults in Slovakia comes from a bilateral American-Slovak project aimed to evaluate the impact of selected behavioural, psychological, and socioeconomic factors on the health of adolescents/young adults and their parents/caregivers. Methods The questionnaires for students and parents were developed according to the studies designed by CDC and adapted to national specificities. A total of 2,384 questionnaires were distributed to a sample of students aged 15-19 years from eight secondary schools and to their caregivers (798 + 1,586). The survey was anonymous and voluntary, approved by the Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Medicine Comenius University and University Hospital in Bratislava. Results The study found a high prevalence of behavioural risk factors among adolescents, including smoking (19.9 %), alcohol consumption (39.7 %), substance abuse (27.3%), and suicidal thoughts (41%), particularly at a younger age. The excessive use of IT was also found, mainly over the weekend. The study revealed a significantly lower age of first alcohol consumption and first sexual intercourse among adolescents than among their parents. Additionally, the study confirmed a significant relationship between maternal and child smoking (p = 0.043; OR = 1.84 95% CI 1.02-3.34), while the proportion of children who drank at least once in the last month increased significantly with the intensity of the father's drinking (p = 0.013). Similarly, statistically significant relationship was found between children's and mothers’ drug use (p = 0.008; OR = 2.77 95% CI 1.28-5.99). Conclusions The study identified various forms of risky behaviour among adolescents and highlighted the significant influence of parents’ risky behaviour on their children. Parents/caregivers serve as primary role models for their children, and their behaviour significantly impacts adolescent development. Supported by KEGA 015UK-4/2022 Key messages • The study assessed behavioural risk factors in adolescents, revealing high prevalence of smoking, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts. • Parental/caregiver behaviour was found to significantly impact adolescent development.