Health Risk Behaviour and Depression among Adolescents

Adolescent health is particularly an important issue in India, due to very high population growth, wide socioeconomic and health disparities among its population.

Objectives of the study

The study objectives were to:

1. Assess the occurrence of health risk behaviours among adolescents.

2. Assess the occurrence of depression among adolescents.

3. Study the correlation between health risk behaviours and depression

4. Determine the association between depression and selected demographic variables.

Materials and Method: A quantitative research approach with descriptive correlative design was used for study. A sample of 500 high school students in the age group of 13-16 years were drawn through purposive sampling. Tools: structured Health Risk Beaviour (HRB) rating scale and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Result: There was significant occurrence of health risk behavior and depression among adolescents aged 13-16 years. There was positive correlation between health risk beahviour and depression. Here was association between depression and age, father's educational status and academic grades.

Conclusion: A very high number of high school children had one or the other health risk behavior calls for more attention in this area by school authorities for early intervention.