To identify adolescents who avoided risky behaviors and to examine the correlates of their healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors, 1487 high school students were investigated via a questionnaire. This study analyzed data on: use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs; sexual behavior; attempted suicide; exercise; seat belt use and diet. In each of these areas, both a conservative and a liberal definition of healthy behaviors were defined. Healthy behavior was analyzed separately by gender, race, place of birth, grade in school, academic performance, parents' education levels, whether the student had close friend(s) or received special education services, and whether the family received public assistance. In addition, a "positive deviance" approach was taken to identify students practicing a healthy lifestyle. Logistic regression models were created to predict determinants of teenager's healthy lifestyles using both conservative and liberal definitions. Using the conservative criteria the significant predictors for a healthy lifestyle were: female, born outside the US, high academic performance and fewer stressful life events. Using a liberal definition of healthy lifestyle, the significant predictors were: being non-Caucasian, in the lower grade levels at school, high academic performance and fewer stressful life events. In both models, peer approval of risky behaviors negatively influenced teens' healthy lifestyle, whereas parents' disapproval was a positive factor to improve their children's lifestyle. Although race, immigration status and grade in school cannot be changed to promote healthy lifestyles, these findings may help to target interventions to subgroups that are particularly likely to make poor health choices.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Adolescents, 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.