Health-related Behavior Changes in Slovak Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Ferdinand Salonna, Jitse P. van Dijk, Andreas Madarasova Geckova, Maria Sleskova, Johan W. Groothoff, Sijmen A. Reijneveld
Primary Institution: Department of Educational Psychology and Health Psychology, Faculty of Arts, P.J. Safarik University
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore changes in health-related behavior in adolescents aged 15 to 19, overall and by socioeconomic position.
Conclusion
The study confirmed an increase in unhealthy health-related behavior during adolescence, which was related to socioeconomic position and was more apparent in females.
Supporting Evidence
- Statistically significant increases were found in all health-related behaviors.
- Among males, the most obvious socioeconomic gradient was found in smoking.
- Variations in socioeconomic differences in health-related behavior were more apparent among females.
- At age 15, almost no socioeconomic differences in health-related behavior were found, but by age 19, differences were evident.
Takeaway
As kids grow up, those from poorer families tend to smoke and drink more, especially girls, while boys show a consistent pattern of unhealthy behaviors.
Methodology
The study used a longitudinal design with a sample of 844 first-year students from 31 secondary schools, assessing health-related behaviors and socioeconomic indicators.
Potential Biases
Females were over-represented in the response group, which may affect the results.
Limitations
The study had a relatively low response rate and potential biases due to selective non-response.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 42.8% males, with a mean age of 14.9 at baseline and 18.8 at follow-up.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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