Prevalence of Health Risk Behaviors Among Adolescents in Delhi-NCR, India

Health risk behaviors are a serious threat to health and well-being, often with grave current as well as future consequences. Previous research has recognized a particular vulnerability among adolescents for the same. Keeping this in mind, the aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence and magnitude of major health risk behaviors (namely, unhealthy weight control behaviors, substance abuse, & violence and physical aggression) among adolescents, living in Delhi and NCR, India. To this end, a self-report survey was administered on a large sample of adolescents (N=300), belonging to the age range of 16-20 years (mean=17.48; SD=1.42). Results depicted that a number of participants agreed to be struggling with body image issues, resulting in poor and unhealthy dietary habits. Participants reported avoidance of food (12.3%), binge eating (29%), purging (5%), and rigorous exercising (31.4%). Moreover, use of laxatives or diet pills (without a doctor's advice) was also reported. Substance abuse also elicited noticeable prevalence, with alcohol consumption generating most current use (25.1%), followed by tobacco (15%) and drug use (6.1%). Results also highlighted adolescent engagement in bullying and physical aggression. Significant differences were revealed between males and females on substance abuse and violence and physical aggression.