Adolescent Lifestyle and Behaviour: A Survey from a Developing Country

Abstract

IntroductionAdolescents form two-thirds of our population. This is a unique group of people with special needs. Our survey aims to identify the lifestyle and behavioral patterns in this group of people and subsequently come up with issues that warrant special attention.MethodsA survey was performed in various schools of Karachi. Data collection was done via a face-to-face interview based on a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Participants included all willing persons between 12–19 years of age.ResultsMost adolescents with lifestyle issues fell in the age group of 16–18 years. Females were more depressed than males and had more sleep problems. Substance abuse and other addictions were documented more in males. Watching television or listening to music was stated as the most common late night activity (61.8%) and therefore was also referred to as the contributory factor for less than eight hours of sleep each day. (58.9%) of the respondents are getting less than eight hours of sleep daily. (41.5%) of the respondents who felt depressed sought treatment for it. Quite a few of them were also indulged in substance abuse and other addictions. Only (16.8%) of the respondents opined that physical activity is essential for health. Thirty-five adolescents out of all the respondents were smoking cigarettes currently, whereas 7% of the respondents chewed paan (areca nut). Peer pressure was the most common reason (37.1%) to start smoking.ConclusionAdolescents need to be treated as a distinct segment of our population and it is important to realize and address their health and lifestyle problems. Inadequate sleep, depression and smoking were the leading unhealthy behaviours among the respondents. Families can play an important role to help these adolescents live a healthier life. Further research studies should be carried out to highlight issues of concern and their possible solutions in this population.

School Bag Usage, Postural and Behavioral Habits and Its Effect on Back Pain Occurrence Among School Children

“…Back pain arising from improper use of the body in activities of daily life develops over several years, starting in the school phase and extending throughout life, and the pain deteriorates to the extent that inactivity has become prevalent in current society [28]. Behaviors during developmental years can influence future health risk in later life; therefore young people are considered an important target group for early detection of health problems [29]. Effect on Back Pain Occurrence Among School Children…”

Adolescents’ mental health and well-being in developing countries: a cross-sectional survey from Pakistan

“…However, these rates are not representative of the population as they were based on the very small subset of people who have access to mental health services. Another cross-sectional study on 12-19 years old school going adolescents found 17% prevalence of depression as assessed by DSM based unstandardized interview (Qidwai et al, 2010). Other developing countries in the region exploring rates of mental health problems report varying results.…”

Nutritional Status, Dietary Practices and Physical Activities of Adolescents in Public and Private Schools of Karachi, Pakistan

“…[3][4][5] Failure to consume a nutritionally balanced diet at this decisive point in life not only arrests linear growth but also influences the psychomotor functioning of adolescents. 6 Numerous studies and reports [7][8][9][10][11] revealed that adolescents are at a greater risk of nutritional deficiencies and disorders due to their rapid body growth, unhealthy eating habits, psychological, mental and emotional pressures associated with body dissatisfaction and temptations to have a slimmer body. Adolescents also tend to suffer from a variety of eating disorders i.e., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa as well as depression, anxiety and psychological stress.…”