1MBBS, Traine, Department of Community Medicine, B. S. Medical College, Bankura
2Asst. Prof, Department of Community Medicine, B. S. Medical College, Bankura
3Clinical Tutor, Department of Surgery, B. S. Medical College, Bankura
4Asst Prof, Departement of Community Medicine, UCMS & GTB Hospital, Delhi
5Professor and Head of the department,Department of Community Medicine, B. S. Medical College, Bankura
Online published on 31 January, 2015.
Health-risk behaviors (HRB), are established during adolescence. They are preventable. This study attempts to identify prevalence of HRBs among school going adolescents (13–19 years) and their association with socio-demographic characteristics.
An observational, cross-sectional study in schools of a town of West Bengal. Risk behaviors analyzed were aggressive behavior, substance use, suicidal ideation and sexual risk behaviors. Data were collected through a pretested, semi-structured, self administered questionnaire. Prevalence of risk behaviors were assessed. Chi-square test and logistic regression was applied to find out association of risk behavior with socio-demographic characteristics.
Among 677 respondents, 61%(412) of study participants had at-least one HRB(High Risk Behaviour). Thirty two percent were involved in physical fights in the last month while 14%(97) carried weapons. The prevalence of current use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs were 8%(52), 4%(29) and 3%(20) respectively. Six percent (39) were involved in high risk sexual behaviors. HRBs were more frequent among male adolescents (OR 1.68, [95% CI: 1.18–2.40]) and the parents who had history of some substance use (1.76[95%CI: 1.58–2.44]).
We showed that a large proportion of school going adolescents in a town in eastern India are involved in HRBs and thus calling for further research and interventions in this area.
Risk Behavior, Adolescents, School, Youth, Substance Abuse
