Citation
Jacobs, Molly (2019). Latent class analysis of adolescent health behaviors.
Journal of Community and Preventive Medicine. vol. 2 (1) pp. 1-10
Abstract
Background: Behavior is one of the most important components in health. While the impacts of adolescent risky activities have been studied extensively, less attention has been paid to health. This study examines the patterning of health behaviors among adolescents age of 10–19 years. Methods: Latent class analysis identified homogeneous, mutually exclusive “classes” (patterns) of eight, leading health behaviors - sleep, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, physicians’ visits, meal autonomy, wearing braces, general health assessment, and having a permanent tattoo. Results: Resulting classes include (1) healthy, (2) moderately healthy, and (3) unhealthy. The characteristic behaviors and tendencies of each class differed by gender. Conclsion: This study attempts to classify adolescents by their own health behavior without including parental attributes. While adolescents do not typically prescribe to predictable behaviors and actions, the emphasis on healthy behaviors by some suggests an individual awareness of behavioral impacts and importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
URL
https://asclepiusopen.com/journal-of-community-and-preventive-medicine/volume-2-issue-1/2.pdfKeyword(s)
Adolescence
Reference Type
Journal Article
Journal Title
Journal of Community and Preventive Medicine
Author(s)
Jacobs, Molly
Year Published
2019
Volume Number
2
Issue Number
1
Pages
1-10
Reference ID
9407
