Adolescents experiencing symptoms of depression had significantly higher odds of belonging to the high-risk cluster of multiple health risk behaviors (OR 2.45).
Cross-Sectional (n=1,763)
Health risk behaviors cluster among adolescents in Ghana, with older age and depression symptoms being significantly associated with high-risk behavior clusters.
Effect estimate: OR 2.45 (95% CI 1.45-4.14)
p-value: p=0.001
91%); Cluster 2 ("High Risk Cluster"; 9%). Using cluster 1 as a reference group, adolescents in the 11-15 years category had lower odds of belonging to cluster 2 (OR = 0.21 CI 0.05-0.91, ρ = 0.036) while those experiencing symptoms of depression had higher odds of belonging to cluster 2 (OR = 2.45 CI 1.45-4.14, ρ = 0.001). No significant relationship was found between number of health risk behaviour and psychological distress. Health risk behaviours cluster among adolescents with age and depression associated with the identified clusters. Early interventions that target these clusters are needed at the individual, school and community level to mitigate the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Atorkey et al. (Thu,) conducted a cross-sectional in Multiple health risk behaviours and psychological distress (n=1,763). Symptoms of depression vs. No symptoms of depression was evaluated on Membership in the High Risk Cluster (Cluster 2) of multiple health risk behaviours (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.45-4.14, p=0.001). Adolescents experiencing symptoms of depression had significantly higher odds of belonging to the high-risk cluster of multiple health risk behaviors (OR 2.45).