Comprehensive Program on Prevention and Control of High-Risk Behaviors in adolescents

Principle investigator: Roya Kelishadi

Co-investigators: Asieh Pirzadeh, Firoozeh Mostafavi, Maryam Nasirian

Adolescents are among the most vulnerable groups in the community. Engagement in high-risk behaviors, may interfere with the individual’s normal physical growth, mental health, normal social activities, skill acquisition, as well as sense of competence and stepping into higher developmental stages. To evaluate the current status of high-risk behaviors among adolescent students in Iran, “Comprehensive Program on Prevention and Control of High-Risk Behaviors in adolescents” study was initiated with the goal of setting the priorities and planning for further efficient prevention and interventions. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017-2018 in 6 provinces of Iran in Khouzestan, Kermanshah, Mashhad, Gilan, Isfahan and Yazd.

Overall, 8564 individuals were recruited. Information regarding unhealthy diet, decreased body activity, smoking, drug abuse, alcohol consumption, violence and risky sexual behaviors were obtained through validated standard questionnaires and appropriate interventions were suggested. Considering the persistency of behavioral habits that were acquired during youth all through one’s life, it is highly important to have a clear picture of the prevalence of high-risk behaviors in this age group, especially in Iran as a country with the growing population of youth.