Clustering of Six Key Risk Behaviors for Chronic Disease among Adolescent Females

Lauren A. Gardner, Katrina E. Champion, Belinda Parmenter, Lucinda Grummitt, Cath Chapman, Matthew Sunderland, Louise Thornton, Nyanda McBride, The Health4Life Team and Nicola C. Newton
Additional contact information
Lauren A. Gardner: The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Katrina E. Champion: The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Belinda Parmenter: Department of Exercise Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, Australia
Lucinda Grummitt: The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Cath Chapman: The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Matthew Sunderland: The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Louise Thornton: The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
Nyanda McBride: National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia
The Health4Life Team: Weight Loss Center, Sacramento, CA 94203, USA
Nicola C. Newton: The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-12

Abstract: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of disability and mortality globally. In Australia, females are at heightened risk. This research explored the prevalence, patterns, and correlates of six key risk behaviors (physical inactivity, poor diet, recreational screen time, inadequate sleep, alcohol use, and smoking) among adolescent females and whether knowledge of health guidelines was associated with adherence. Adolescent females completed an anonymous online questionnaire ( N = 687; M age = 13.82). Logistic regression assessed the association between knowledge and adherence. A Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and three-step procedure identified risk behavior clusters and their correlates. Despite positive health self-ratings (77% good/very good), most participants reported insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; 89%), vegetable intake (89%), and excessive screen time (63%). Knowledge of guidelines was associated with adherence for MVPA, vegetable intake, sleep, and alcohol abstinence. Three classes emerged: “moderate risk” (76%), “relatively active, healthy eaters” (19%), and “excessive screen users” (5%). These risk-behavior clusters were associated with perceived value of academic achievement and physical wellbeing. Adolescent females commonly perceive they are in good health, despite engaging in unhealthy behaviors. Public health interventions should utilize effective behavior change strategies, adopt a multiple health behavior change approach (MHBC), and be tailored to specific risk profiles and values among females.

Keywords: chronic disease risk; females; multiple health behavior change; public health; physical activity; sleep; recreational screen time; diet; alcohol; smoking (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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