Variables associated with health risk behaviors in Chilean adolescents

Abstract

Background: Numerous studies suggest that there are family, socioeconomic and social support variables that are associated with health risk behaviors in adolescents, knowing these variables is of the utmost importance for a better understanding of sexual and reproductive health in adolescence and thus focus better interventions at the level of health professionals. Objective: To determine which family variables, level of social support and socioeconomic level are associated with risk behaviors in health in adolescent users of a public system of sexual and reproductive health in Santiago, Chile. Material and Method: Cross-sectional and analytical study. A total of 2,461 adolescents of both sexes were evaluated with different instruments who requested care at a sexual and reproductive health center during 2005-2012. Results: Family variables associated with risk behavior in health such as sexual debut before age 15, having more sexual partners, smoking, alcohol and drugs, were: not living with both parents, regular or bad relationship with parents, family dysfunction, and supervision by other adult figures. Scarce social support was associated with sexual initiation before age 15, tobacco, alcohol and drug use. The socioeconomic level showed no association to health risk behavior in adolescents.