Prevalence and Determinants of an Unhealthy Lifestyle among School-Going Adolescents in Chittagong .

Abstract

Background:

While numerous adolescents engage in detrimental lifestyle choices that may impact their long-term health, this developmental stage is crucial for establishing enduring health practices. In Bangladesh, factors such as socioeconomic status, gender, and cultural norms significantly influence physical activity, dietary selections, hygiene habits, and hazardous behaviors, including tobacco consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for a balanced diet, consistent physical activity, and limited use of processed foods, tobacco, and sugary beverages to enhance adolescent health. Research indicates that several Bangladeshi adolescents fail to meet standards, mostly owing to socio-environmental limitations and misinformation. This study examines gender and socioeconomic disparities in the incidence and causes of poor lifestyle choices among school-going teenagers in Chittagong, in accordance with WHO standards. Methodology:

A cross-sectional survey employing a statistical research approach was used to assess the prevalence and causes of hazardous lifestyle habits among teens in Chittagong schools. Using cluster or area randomization, 300 participants were chosen to provide a representative sample of school-going teenagers. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire encompassing several aspects of lifestyle behavior—including physical activity, eating habits, hygiene practices, and tobacco use. The questionnaire was pretested among five volunteers to evaluate its clarity, correctness, and dependability before data collecting. All individuals completed the survey after providing informed consent; ethical issues were rigorously observed. Participants gave either written or spoken agreement depending on their choice, therefore guaranteeing their comfort and desire to participate. They were also guaranteed their right to exit the study at any moment without consequences. Data collecting completed, SPSS program handled responses to check for consistency and mistakes. Using SPSS, a statistical study was done to find correlations between demographic variables and many lifestyle habits. The outcomes were then compared to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to evaluate the health effects of the mentioned behaviours. The study indicated considerable gender differences, with male students (94.6%) participating in markedly greater levels of physical activity than female students (68.4%), possibly attributable to societal constraints restricting female involvement. Sedentary behaviour was highest among females (51.3%), reinforcing existing concerns about physical inactivity among adolescent girls. While 70% of respondents reported practicing regular handwashing, 30% lacked consistent hygiene habits. Access to clean drinking water (90%) and sanitation facilities (80%) was relatively high, but disparities persisted for lower-income students. Dietary habits indicated inadequate vegetable consumption (only 10.5% of females and 2.7% of males ate vegetables weekly), while whole grain intake was moderate but often below WHO’s recommendation of at least three servings per day. Fast-food consumption remained low, with only 5.4% of males and 5.3% of females consuming fast food five days per week, but socioeconomic status influenced exposure to processed foods. Tobacco use was significantly higher among males (13.5%) compared to females (5.3%), exceeding the WHO’s recommendation that even 1–2 instances of smoking in the past 30 days pose a health risk. Conclusion:

This report emphasizes the critical need for targeted health efforts addressing gender-based disparities, socioeconomic factors, and comprehensive adolescent health education in Chittagong schools. Although access to clean water and sanitation facilities is comparatively good, dietary practices and levels of physical activity are worrisome, particularly among females. The results highlight the imperative for school-based initiatives that advocate for adequate diet, consistent physical activity, and tobacco prevention efforts in accordance with WHO standards. Addressing these deficiencies necessitates cooperative endeavors among educational institutions, guardians, and legislators to establish an atmosphere conducive to better lifestyle choices for teenagers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Future research should examine the enduring effects of these lifestyle practices and behavioral interventions aimed at bridging the disparity between knowledge and action.