Range Of Risky Behaviors Research Articles

Beauty, underage drinking, and adolescent risky behaviours

Physically attractive individuals experience a range of advantages in adulthood including higher earnings; yet, how attractiveness influences earlier consequential decisions is not well understood. This paper estimates the effect of attractiveness on engagement in risky behaviours in adolescence. We find marked effects across a range of risky behaviours with notable contrasts. Attractive adolescents are more likely to engage in drinking; the gap between attractive and unattractive adolescents in terms of propensity to drink constitutes about 15% of the baseline mean. In contrast, more attractive adolescents are less likely to smoke, use drugs, or practice unprotected sex. Investigation into the underlying channels reveals that physically attractive adolescents are more popular, and have higher self-esteem and personality attractiveness. Popularity leads to a higher likelihood of engagement in “cool” risky behaviours and a lower likelihood for “uncool” behaviours, while self-esteem and personality generally predict a lower likelihood of engaging in all risky behaviours. Our findings suggest physical attractiveness in adolescence carries long-lasting consequences over the life course.

Co-occurring addiction problems among high school students in Sousse (Tunisia)

Abstract Background Adolescence is a transitory period characterized by psychological, physical and emotional changes. Teenagers seek new experiences and engage in a range of risky behaviors, including the consumption of psychoactive substances that lead to addiction problems. Adolescent addiction represents a major public health and safety issue. Addictions co-occur in the same individual, increasing the risk of negative outcomes and health problems. We aimed to determine the prevalence of occurring and co-occurring addiction behaviors among high school students in the region of Sousse and to specify the risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 5 to March 14, 2018 in public high schools in the governorate of Sousse. The data were collected by anonymous self-administered questionnaire, then processed and analyzed using the SPSS software version 10. Results A total of 1399 high school students were included in our study. An average age of 17±2.28 years and a female predominance (60.5%) were noted. The prevalence of tobacco product use and alcohol consumption was 20.9% and 10.1% respectively. The prevalence of illicit substance use was 7%. Facebook and video game addiction were reported among 36.1% and 35.3% high school students respectively. The analysis of co-occurring addiction problems showed that 12.2% and 4.5% had two and three addiction problems, respectively. Almost 3% of included adolescents had the maximum number of four addiction problems. Multivariate analysis showed that co-occurring addiction increases among boys, participants that repeated the grade and among those with moderate or severe depression, anxiety and alexithymia. Conclusions The findings have implications for identifying the risk factors of co-occurring addictive behaviors, and the development of primary prevention strategies resulting from such factors Key messages The prevalence of addictive behavior is very high in middle school students. Understanding the risk factors of co-occurrence addictive problems is important for prevention program planning.

Emerging impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on sexual health in Lebanon

Background The coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) has had compounding effects on the political and economic crisis with severe economic and health consequences. Throughout the lockdown, one of the largest sexually transmitted infections...

Assessment of pre-marital sex and its associated factors among rift valley university college students, jimma campus, south west Ethiopia, 2018

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescent people as those between the ages of 10 to 19 years. By nature these age groups are the age of experimentation and exploration associated with a range of risky behaviors, including risky sexual behaviors. Pre-marital sex as risky sexual practices can lead student adolescents to acquisition of STIs and un-intended pregnancy. However there is paucity of information in prevalence of pre-marital sexual practices and it factors in private higher institutions particularly to the study site. Therefore this study is aimed to assess the prevalence of pre-marital sex practices and associated factors among Rift valley university students, south western Ethiopia 2018. Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted at Rift Valley University Jimma campus from March to April 2018. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select a total of 264 respondents in this study. The data were entered into EPI info version 3.5.3 and transferred to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done. A P-value <0.05 was considered to determine the statistical significance of the association between factors and outcome (pre-sexual practice). The Odds ratio was also used to determine the presence and the degree of association between the outcome and independent variables. Results: Out of 264 aimed samples, 260 involved in the study and yielded a response rate of 98.5%. The prevalence of pre-marital sexual practice was 43.8%. Living status, AOR=3.8CI (1.91, 7.52) and substance use, AOR=4.67(2.59, 8.46) were found to be independent predictors of pre-marital sex among students. Conclusion and recommendations: Pre- marital sex practice among students was found to be high. Living status and substance use were independent predictors of premarital sex in students. Jimma zone health bureau should strengthen addressing in community and family involvement in adolescent health and substance use habit.

Genome-wide association analyses of risk tolerance and risky behaviors in over 1 million individuals identify hundreds of loci and shared genetic influences.

Humans vary substantially in their willingness to take risks. In a combined sample of over 1 million individuals, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of general risk tolerance, adventurousness, and risky behaviors in the driving, drinking, smoking, and sexual domains. Across all GWAS, we identified hundreds of associated loci, including 99 loci associated with general risk tolerance. We report evidence of substantial shared genetic influences across risk tolerance and the risky behaviors: 46 of the 99 general risk tolerance loci contain a lead SNP for at least one of our other GWAS, and general risk tolerance is genetically correlated ([Formula: see text] ~ 0.25 to 0.50) with a range of risky behaviors. Bioinformatics analyses imply that genes near SNPs associated with general risk tolerance are highly expressed in brain tissues and point to a role for glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. We found no evidence of enrichment for genes previously hypothesized to relate to risk tolerance.

0965 SHORTER SLEEP DURATION, INCONSISTENT BEDTIMES, SNORING, AND TROUBLE FALLING ASLEEP PREDICT INCREASED HIGH-RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG A NATIONAL SAMPLE OF AT-RISK ADOLESCENTS

Sleep plays a critical role in impulse-control and decision-making. Pervasive sleep deprivation among adolescents may contribute to their susceptibility to risky behaviors. This study investigates the association between adolescent sleep and risky behaviors in a diverse national sample. The Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study followed a national urban birth cohort of at-risk children from birth through 15y. In the 15y wave, participants’ reported sleeping habits (sleep duration, bedtime consistency, frequency of snoring, and trouble falling asleep) were separately modeled as predictors of risky behaviors (unprotected sex, smoking, drinking, and other substance use) in logistic or ordinary least squares regressions adjusted for sex, ethnicity, mother’s education, household income, and adolescent’s depressive symptoms. Preliminary analyses included 2681 adolescents aged 14.4–17.8y (15.5 ± 0.57y), 49.1% female, and 82.1% non-white. Among adolescents reporting having had sex (n=366, 14%), longer sleep duration (in hours) was associated with lower odds of having never used a condom (OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.58–0.97). Bedtime consistency (OR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.76–0.96; n=2633) and frequent snoring (OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.04–1.71; n=2633) were negatively and positively associated, respectively, with having ever smoked cigarettes. Among ever smokers (n=133, 5%), trouble falling asleep was associated with earlier age of first cigarette use (β=-0.14, p=0.049). Longer sleep duration was associated with lower odds of having ever used alcohol (OR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.98; n=2680). Sleep duration (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96; n=2632) and trouble falling asleep (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.08–1.43; n=2632) were negatively and positively associated, respectively, with ever using illicit substances other than marijuana. While these findings cannot determine causality, they demonstrate positive associations between shorter sleep duration and other sleep disorder symptoms with a range of risky behaviors, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Interventions aimed at improving adolescents’ sleep may help reduce incidence of unsafe sex practices, smoking, drinking, or other substance use. R01HD073352 (L. Hale, PI)

ADHD-associated risk taking is linked to exaggerated views of the benefits of positive outcomes.

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often assumed to be associated with increased engagement in risk-taking behaviors. The current study sought to understand the mental processes underlying this association using a theory-driven behavioral economics perspective. Psychological risk-return models suggest that risk and benefit are inherently subjective, and risk taking is best understood as the interplay between cognitions and motivations regarding the benefits and risks of alternatives. A sample of 244 adults was assessed for ADHD symptoms. The likelihood of engagement in a range of risky behaviors (e.g., driving without wearing a seat belt), the magnitude of perceived benefit and risk ascribed to these behaviors, and benefit and risk attitudes of each participant were extracted from the Domain Specific Risk Taking (DOSPERT) scales. ADHD symptoms were correlated with more risky behaviors and perception of greater benefits from engaging in these behaviors, but were not correlated with risk perception. Mediation analysis revealed that the association between ADHD symptoms and engagement in risk taking was mediated by perceived benefits. These findings highlight the idea that people with high level ADHD symptoms tend to engage in risky behaviors because they find such behavior particularly appealing, rather than because they seek risk per se.

ADHD-associated risk-taking: The role of benefit and risk perceptions

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with increased engagement in risk-taking behaviors. The present study aimed to further our knowledge regarding the extent and the reasons for the association between ADHD symptoms and risk-taking, using a theory-driven behavioral economy theory. The Domain Specific Risk-Taking scale was used, on which 244 adults rated the likelihood of engagement in a range of risky behaviors, across five real life domains, as well as the magnitude of perceived benefit and risk they ascribed to these behaviors. Level of ADHD symptoms was positively correlated with engagement in risky behaviors and benefit perception, but not with risk perception. Mediation analysis confirmed that benefit perception, but not risk perception, mediated the association between ADHD symptoms and engagement in risk-taking behaviors (Fig. 1). These findings emphasize the role of benefit perception in facilitating risk-taking by people with ADHD symptoms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Strategies For Dealing With Problems Faced By Men Participating In A Men’s Empowerment Project In Umkhanyakude, South Africa

South Africa has amongst the world‟s highest levels of sexual and domestic violence and an interrelated HIV/AIDS epidemic driven in significant part by gender roles that encourage men to equate manhood with dominance over women, sexual conquest and a range of risky behaviours. Women‟s greater vulnerability to HIV/AIDS is in part explained by the very high levels of sexual and domestic violence mainly perpetuated by men. The purpose of this study was to identify strategies for dealing with problems faced by men in Umkhanyakude using a participatory and inclusive approach. Men in Umkhanyakude were invited to a workshop in January 2004 to carefully think through the problems that they face, then to prioritize these problems using a ranking process based on nominal group technique. They then went further to explore strategies of overcoming these problems. Problems identified by men in Umkhanyakude range from socio-economic problems such as unemployment and retrenchments, poverty, marriage and family breakdown and men's inappropriate sexual behaviours. Health problems included premature death and illness, violent death and injury, drugs and alcohol and teenage pregnancy. A cultural and traditional problem identified was faction fighting caused by intolerance. The four main strategies used in dealing with problems identified by men were 1) using sport as an entry and engagement strategy, 2) providing men‟s community education through public debates and dialogue, 3) providing training and capacity development and 4) enterprise development. Socio-economic problems faced by men in Umkhanyakude require broad social, economic and development strategies to deal with problems that they face.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns Are Associated With Selected Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors

Little is known about how physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and various adolescent health risk behaviors are associated. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between PA and sedentary behavior patterns and an array of risk behaviors, including leading causes of adolescent morbidity/mortality. Nationally representative self-reported data were collected (National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health; wave I: 1994-1995; II: 1996; N = 11957). Previously developed and validated cluster analyses identified 7 homogeneous groups of adolescents sharing PA and sedentary behaviors. Poisson regression predicted the relative risk of health risk behaviors, other weekly activities, and self-esteem across the 7 PA/sedentary behavior clusters controlling for demographics and socioeconomic status. Main outcome measures were adolescent risk behaviors (eg, truancy, cigarette smoking, sexual intercourse, delinquency), other weekly activities (eg, work, academic performance, sleep), self-esteem. Relative to high television (TV) and video viewers, adolescents in clusters characterized by skating and video gaming, high overall sports and sports participation with parents, using neighborhood recreation center, strict parental control of TV, reporting few activities overall, and being active in school were less likely to participate in a range of risky behaviors, ranging from an adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 0.42 (outcome: illegal drug use, cluster: strict parental control of TV) to 0.88 (outcome: violence, cluster: sports with parents). Active teens were less likely to have low self-esteem (eg, adolescents engaging in sports with parents, ARR: 0.73) and more likely to have higher grades (eg, active in school, ARR: 1.20). Participation in a range of PA-related behaviors, particularly those characterized by high parental sports/exercise involvement, was associated with favorable adolescent risk profiles. Adolescents with high TV/video viewership were less likely to have positive risk behavior outcomes. Enhancing opportunities for PA and sport may have a beneficial effect on leading adolescent risk behaviors.

Maternal employment and adolescent risky behavior

This paper examines the impact of maternal employment during a child’s first 3 years and during adolescence on his or her decisions to engage in a range of risky behaviors: smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, using marijuana and other drugs, engaging in sex and committing crimes. Using data from the NLSY79 and its young adult supplement, we do not find strong evidence that mother’s employment—whether early in the child’s life or during adolescence—affects the likelihood of participation in risky behaviors. We note as a caveat, however, that insufficient statistical precision makes it difficult, at times, to distinguish some potentially important effects from effects that are essentially equal to zero.

Maternal Employment and Adolescent Risky Behavior

This paper examines the impact of maternal employment during a child's first three years and during adolescence on his or her decisions to engage in a range of risky behaviors: smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, using marijuana and other drugs, engaging in sex and committing crimes. Using data from the NLSY79 and its young adult supplement, we find little evidence that mother's employment early in the child's life has lasting consequences on participation in risky behaviors. Similarly, with the possible exception of drinking alcohol - our results do not indicate that maternal employment during adolescence is correlated with increased involvement in risky activities.

Range of Risky Behaviors Is Tied to Risk of Multiple Partners among Teenagers

Range of Risky Behaviors Is Tied to Risk of Multiple Partners among Teenagers