1 Purdue University, Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.
2 Birmingham City University, England, Department of Public Health, Facility of Health, Education and Life Science, Birmingham City, England, United Kingdom.
3 University of Medical Sciences, Department of Health Information Management, Faculty of Allied Health, Ondo State, Nigeria.
4 National Open University of Nigeria, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Victoria Island, Lagos State, Nigeria.
5 Pennsylvania Western University, Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Facility of Health Sciences, Pennsylvania, United States.
6 Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Department of Health Education, School of Natural Sciences, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 23(01), 2132-2153
Received on 13 June 2024; revised on 20 July 2024; accepted on 22 July 2024
Adolescents are often the most vulnerable to risky behaviors due to their quest for independence, experimentation, and identity development, resulting in deep-rooted patterns that affect health across the life course. This review examines the prevalence and determinants of substance use and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in the United States. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature published between 1980-2023 was conducted using multiple databases. Studies focusing on U.S. adolescents aged 12-19 and reporting on prevalence or associated factors of substance use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or any illicit drugs) or sexual risk behaviors (early sexual initiation, multiple partners, or inconsistent condom use) were included. The review synthesized data from 40 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Results indicate concerning rates of substance use and sexual risk-taking, with variations by demographic factors. Alcohol and marijuana use were most prevalent, reported by 30-40% of adolescents. Nearly half of high school students reported having sexual intercourse, with 40% not using condoms consistently. Prevalence was generally higher among older adolescents, sexual minorities, and some racial minority groups. Key determinants of risk behaviors were reviewed based on socioecological models including individual, interpersonal, community and societal factors. The review highlights the multilevel nature of influences on adolescent risk behaviors. Findings underscore the need for tailored interventions addressing multiple determinants. Particular attention to vulnerable groups such as African American Adolescents and social determinants of health inequities is warranted. More research on risk and protective factors and effective interventions is needed. This synthesis can inform the development of evidence-based policies and programs to reduce substance use and sexual risk behaviors among U.S. adolescents.
Adolescents; Determinants; Prevalence; Substance Use; Sexual Risk Behaviors; United States
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Rita Ogechi Chukwu, Chinedu James Ezeh, Peace Makinde, Adewale Mubaraq Folawewo, Mmesoma Barbra Eze and Clara Chinyere Mgbeahurike. Prevalence and determinants of risky behaviors: a comprehensive review of substance use and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in the United States. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 23(1), 2132-2153. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.1.2199