The influence of demographic factors on healthy living among adolescents

Abstract

Adolescent development greatly benefits from regular exercise and a nutritious diet. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between several demographic variables affecting nutrition and physical activity in adolescents of Tirana. Cross-sectional survey. Participants were 510 adolescents aged 16-19 years, of whom 310 were girls (61.2%) and 198 were boys (38.8%). The school was in the city of Tirana. Adolescents completed a questionnaire that was built on the basis of two subscales of questionnaires that were HPLP II, aiming to assess health-promoting behaviors. The t-test was also applied, which revealed significant differences in statistical value between adolescents who study in different classes, regardless of gender. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found between classes (males and females) in the nutrition and physical activity variables. However, differences were evident in the level of nutrition and physical activity depending on the parents' education. In general, it can be concluded that adolescents have relatively satisfactory dietary and physical activity habits, but these behaviors still need improvement. In this context, there is a need for better and more effective education of young people for a healthy lifestyle.