Predictive variables of health risk behaviors in adolescents from northeastern Mexico: cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: most health problems in adolescence are the result of risky behaviors (e.g. abuse of legal and illegal substances) that can lead to the development of metabolic diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, accidents, depression or suicide. Objective: to develop a predictive model of risk behaviors in adolescents through variables related to life events, psychological resources, and interpersonal resources. Material and methods: cross-sectional and prospective study, which included adolescents representative of a region in northeastern Mexico. A multiscale instrument was applied to evaluate the variables under study. Results: 2,008 adolescents responded to the instrument. The results indicate that life events impact risk behaviors mediated by emotion-focused coping. In turn, life events and emotion-focused coping are modulated by variables related to affect and social support. Conclusions: preventive programs aimed at adolescents must include coping different from those focused on emotions.