Predictors of health risk behaviours among young adults: Analysis of the national population health survey

This paper examines the individual and social determinants of physical inac tivity, daily smoking, heavy drinking, and overall risk behaviour among 1,3 95 Canadians aged 20-24 in the 1994 National Population Health Survey. Logi stic regression was used to estimate models of risk behaviour using the fol lowing variables: sex, mastery, self-esteem, sense of coherence, chronic st ress, psychological distress, social support, income adequacy, education, a nd main activity (working, looking for work, attending school, other). Resu lts of the analysis indicate that the most consistent predictors were chron ic stress and main activity. Thus, social context appears to be an importan t influence on risk-related behaviour, and should be taken into account in approaches designed to promote health behaviours.