COVARIANCE OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH BEHAVIORS - THE CLASS OF 1989 STUDY

The purpose of this paper is to add to the growing body of knowledge r egarding the clustering or covariation of health behaviors in adolesce nts. Patterns of smoking, healthy eating and activity levels were exam ined through a self-report survey using serial cross-sectional samples of students over 7 years (sixth to 12th grade). The students represen ted were participants in the Class of 89 study, a component of the Min nesota Heart Health Program. Comparisons are made between males and fe males as well as by reference and intervention communities. Bi-variate and multivariate results suggest that not only do associations exist between health behaviors, but the associations strengthen over time, A fter the eighth grade, students reporting lower activity patterns as w ell as those making fewer healthy food choices also exhibit a higher w eekly smoking prevalence. The multivariate analyses point to a risk pr ofile where smoking, poor food choices and lower activity patterns clu ster. The results point to the importance of early health education in order to foster the development of a positive health profile prior to consolidation of unhealthful behaviors. Comprehensive school-based he alth education is also recommended as a way to promote the importance and development of a healthy lifestyle across multiple behaviors.