This study was to identify priority health risk behaviors of Korean youth. The data was drawn from the Youth Health Behavior Survey, which was a part of the first nation-wide population based 'Korea Health and Nutrition Survey' conducted in November, 1998. A total of 2,444 cases of adolescents aged 10 to 19 were interviewed. About 58.3% of teenagers reported that they are healthy(male 59.3%, female 57.1%). Those who have ever smoked cigarettes were 15.2%(male 23.3%, female 6.6%). The rates of regular smoking was 6.1%(male 10.0%, female 1.9%). About 32.9% of adolescents have ever drunk alcoholic beverages(male 35.7%, female 30.0%), and 21.0% have drunk during the preceding 30 days(male 23.2%, female 18.7%). About 33.1% of the respondents reported they have tried to control their weights during the preceding one year. Female adolescents (45.3%) were more likely than male adolescents(21.6%) to lose weight to keep a good body image. Male adolescents (29.1%) were more likely than female adolescents(8.6%) to engage in regular weekly exercise, though. Approximately 27.0% of respondents reported they felt stress. About 67.1% of adolescents reported they brushed teeth after every meal, and 47.0% reported they always brush teeth before they went to bed. The rate of the experience of engaged in violent behaviors during the proceeding one year was 28.4% for males, and 8.6% for females. The school aged youth don't get adequate health education program yet in Korea, and health professionals should provide health education programs to meet the needs of youth engaging in high risk situations.
Learning Objectives: To identify major health risk behaviors of Korean youth and draw health education policy implications
Keywords: Health Behavior,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.