[Youth health behavior survey]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Behavioral Science

Context:

• High-risk behaviors such as smoking and alcohol use are significant contributors to non-communicable diseases, morbidity, and mortality globally.
• The study focuses on the "Youth Health Behaviour Survey" conducted among 14-17-year-old students in Tbilisi, Mtskheta (peri-urban), and Dusheti (rural) in Georgia.

Purpose:

• To assess and compare high-risk behaviors, including alcohol and tobacco use, and sexual activity among adolescents in different geographical settings within Georgia.
• To identify regional disparities in youth health behaviors and inform the development of tailored health promotion strategies.

Summary:

• Alcohol use is prevalent among teenagers in both urban and rural areas, with significantly higher frequency in Tbilisi. Wine and spirits are consumed similarly across regions.
• Smoking initiation begins around ages 13-14, with higher rates in Tbilisi and Mtskheta; boys smoke more than girls. No drug use was identified.
• Sexual activity is reported by nearly half of boys in Tbilisi and about a third in Mtskheta and Dusheti, with more frequent use of safe sex methods in Tbilisi.

Impact:

• Findings highlight the need for region-specific interventions to promote healthy lifestyles among Georgian youth.
• Early exposure to risky behaviors necessitates targeted public health initiatives to support healthy adolescent development and reduce future non-communicable disease burdens.