Patterns and correlates of multiple risk factors for adult-onset cancer among adolescents1

Abstract

The authors investigated patterns and correlates of multiple cancer risk factors (MCRFs) among adolescents. Baseline data from an intervention efficacy trial were analyzed to examine patterns of co-occurring MCRFs and sociodemographic and theoretical (e.g. prevention self-efficacy) correlates of MCRFs among adolescents ( N = 50) aged 13–21 years. The mean total MCRFs was 4.6 (SD = 1.6; range = 0–9). The most common risk factors were intentions to use alcohol ( n = 40, 80%), <5 daily servings of fruits/vegetables ( n = 40, 80%), and lifetime alcohol use ( n = 38, 76%). MCRFs commonly co-occurred, suggesting a clustered risk profile. Higher age ( B = 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01, 0.38) and lower prevention self-efficacy ( B = −0.16, 95% CI: −0.30, −0.02) were significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with MCRFs. Multiple health behavior change interventions are needed to prevent accumulation of risk factors as youth mature. Self-efficacy may be an important target for prevention interventions.