| dc.description.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. | en_US |
