Turkish Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors and Self-Esteem

Abstract

We examined health risk behaviors and self-esteem of 1,361 adolescents in Adiyaman, Turkey. The data were obtained using the Health Risk Behaviors Scale (HRBS; Çimen & Savaşer, 2003) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES; Rosenberg, 1965). The most frequent predictor of risky behavior in adolescents was physical activity. Nutrition, psychosocial, hygiene, and substance abuse issues were also significant predictors of risky behavior. The results indicated that age, year at school (grade), gender, self-esteem, and school performance all had a strong impact on health risk behaviors. Adolescents must be made aware of health risk issues associated with physical activity, nutrition, hygiene, and substance abuse.