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Multiple Health Risk Behaviors Among Psychological Distressed Middle School Students Residing in the Southern United
1Department of Public Health, Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC, USA.
Psychological Reports
|May 3, 2025
Summary
Middle school students experiencing psychological distress are more likely to engage in early alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use and exhibit other health risk behaviors. Prevention programs should address these factors concurrently for improved adolescent mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent health
- Public health
- Mental health research
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for the initiation of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use.
- ATOD use may serve as a coping mechanism for psychological distress.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the impact of weight status, physical activity, screen time, and diet on adolescent mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between early ATOD use and other health risk behaviors.
- To examine these associations among psychologically distressed middle school students in the southern U.S.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey - Middle School edition (YRBS-MS).
- Employed Chi-square analysis to determine prevalence of psychological distress and associated behaviors.
- Conducted logistic regression to estimate associations, controlling for demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Psychologically distressed students showed higher likelihood of alcohol, electronic vape, and non-prescribed pain medication use.
- Increased odds of being overweight, exceeding screen time recommendations, and inadequate breakfast consumption were linked to psychological distress.
- Females were more likely to report psychological distress.
Conclusions:
- Findings underscore the co-occurrence of psychological distress with ATOD use and other health risk behaviors in middle schoolers.
- Highlights the necessity for integrated prevention strategies targeting multiple risk factors.
- Emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health alongside substance use and lifestyle behaviors in adolescents.
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