Do Young Hispanic Workers engage in Risky Health Behaviors?

Introduction: There is evidence that youth who work may be at risk for negative health behaviors. Many challenges remain in promoting individual healthy behavior change among minority populations, particularly young Hispanics. For the present study, we examine risky health behaviors among all US young workers and among Hispanic workers.

Methods: 1997-2007 National Health Interview Survey data were analyzed for respondents aged 18-24 years old that were then grouped by employment status and eight industrial sector classifications. The total estimated US young worker population, mean age, and the prevalence of risky behaviors (defined as at least two of the four unhealthy behaviors), including smoking, risky drinking (defined as ≥10 drinks/week in men and ≥7 drinks/week in women, or ≥5 drinks/at one sitting one or more times in a year), low physical activity levels and obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2), were analyzed by gender and race/ethnicity.

Results: Among all US young workers, Hispanics generally engaged in less risky health behavior (3.9% met two out of the four unhealthy behaviors) as compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts (5.3%). For example, Hispanics engaged in less risky drinking (6.9%) and smoking practices (17.4%) as compared to the their non-Hispanic counterparts (10.0%, and 28.0% respectively). Young workers employed as Motor vehicle operators (9.6%) and Health technologists/technicians (2.0%) engaged in the highest and lowest levels of risky health behaviors respectively.

Conclusion: Given the significant growth in the US Hispanic population, worksite health promotion programs that reduce the burden of risky health behaviors among young Hispanics workers are paramount.