Purpose: To evaluate the impact of school-organized sport activities on priority youth health-risk behaviors. Methods: Data were taken from The 1997 National School-based Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Measures of prevalence rates in six categories of priority health-risk behaviors defined by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were performed between participants and non-participants in school-organized sport activities. The association between participation in organized sport activities and priority health-risk behaviors was then modeled linearly in order to predict adjusted significance. Results: Overall, 49.5% of students nationwide participated in school-organized sport activities. Major behavioral factors that proved statistically significant in predicting participation in school-organized activities in a logistic regression model were non-use of seatbelt, non-use of helmet, and use of chewing tobacco. Behavioral factors that were inversely related to participation in school-organized activities were smoking cigarette, using different kinds of drugs, using condoms, carrying weapons, eating vegetables, and attempting suicide. Conclusions: Based on the nationally representative data, participation in school-organized sport activities was positively associated with many desirable health behaviors. However, a challenge for us will be not only to promote youth participation in school- organized sport activities, but also to address some co-existing behavioral problems that may lead to non-intentional injury and use of chewing tobacco.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. List six categories of priority health-risk behaviors defined by CDC. 2. Know The National School-based Youth Risk Behaviors Survey. 3. Understand the relationship between participation in school-organized sport activities and priority health risk behaviors. 4. Understand the challenge to promote desirable health behaviors
Keywords: Health Behavior, Physical Activity
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.