Title
Clustering of health-compromising behavior and delinquency in adolescents and adults in the Dutch population
Author
van Nieuwenhuijzen, M.
Junger, M.
Velderman, M.K.
Wiefferink, K.H.
Paulussen, T.W.G.M.
Hox, J.
Reijneveld, S.A.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2009
Abstract
Objective: This study investigates the clustering of a broad range of health-compromising and delinquent behaviors. We examine whether these behaviors belong to a single but broad cluster, 'risk-taking behavior', and whether the nature and degree of clustering in adolescents differs from that in adults. Method: A representative sample (N = 4395) of the Dutch population aged 12 to 40 (overall response rate 67%), was asked about various health-compromising behaviors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, illegal drug use, unsafe sexual behavior, physical inactivity, poor nutrition (such as skipping breakfast and not eating fruit and vegetables), poor sleep behavior, unlawful traffic behavior, and delinquent and aggressive behavior. Data were collected from fall 2005 to spring 2006 using internet questionnaires and face-to-face computer-assisted interviews. Results: No single broad cluster was found. Instead, there were several separate but interrelated clusters. The contents of these clusters differed between age groups. For young adolescents (12-15) two clusters were identified: Alcohol and Delinquency. For older adolescents (16-18) and adults (19-40) three clusters were identified: Alcohol, Delinquency and Health. Conclusion: The findings of this study support a more integrated approach to promoting healthier lifestyles, and suggest that the behavior targets of integrated prevention programs should be different for adolescents and adults. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Subject
Psychology
Clustering
Health behaviors
Life-style behavior
Risk-taking behavior
Adolescent
Adult
Alcohol consumption
Delinquency
Drug use
Groups by age
Health behavior
Health promotion
High risk behavior
Immobilization
Nnutrition
Questionnaire
Sexual behavior
Sleep
Smoking
Unsafe sex
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:d71f9a75-1ca8-4320-b634-65ba64358358
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.04.008
TNO identifier
241554
ISSN
0091-7435
Source
Preventive Medicine, 48 (6), 572-578
Document type
article