Abstract:
To study the health risk behaviors and associated factors in adolescent. cross-sectional study
design was used. The study was conducted among the grade 11 students attending schools in
MOH area Dompe. Prevalence of current smokers among the study population was 13 3
percent and out of that 23.1 percent were male and 2.9 percent were females. In the present
study overall current alcohol users were 22.3 percent, while 39.3 percent and 9.8 percent
were males and female respectively. Out of the 465 students 8.3 percent attempted suicide
while 21.5 percent had suicidal ideation during the preceding 12 months. Physical violence
at least once during last 30 days reported as 38.7 percent. Experience of having sexual
intercourse among the male students was 19.4 percent and while only 2.4 percent among
the female. Good attachment with the family, regular friendly communication with parents
and teachers, regular participation in religious activities all were protective factors for risk
behaviors under study. While economic condition of family, educational and employment
status of the parents, participation of sports were having much less influence on selected risk
behaviors . Alcohol and smoking among the peers, bullying, divorced parents were risk
factors for selected health risk behaviors of the present study. Strengthening of health
promoting concept in schools with a overall improvement positive health behaviors and
reduction in health risk behaviors should be the key strategy in risk prevention programs.
