TRENDS IN ADOLESCENT RISK BEHAVIORS BEFORE AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Luljeta BEXHETI, Sheruze OSMANI BALLAZHI, Behare KASAMI, Ibrahim NEZIRI, Kalina SOTIROSKA IVANOSKA
Abstract
Adolescence is a crucial period in individual development, as it is characterized by significant changes across all areas of functioning. During this period, adolescents face numerous challenges that, play a significant role in shaping their behavioral patterns. In this context, the emergence of risky behaviors becomes increasingly possible. This study aims to analyze and present the trends of risky behaviors among adolescents in North Macedonia during the period 2014–2022. The data are part of the HBSC-Macedonia study. Participants include adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 years. The sample size ranges from 4,219 in 2014 to 5,144 in 2022. The findings indicate that smoking and cannabis use show an increasing trend across the three measurement points, while alcohol consumption shows a declining tendency. The development of comprehensive policies that promote health education can contribute significantly to the healthy development of adolescents.
Pages: 81 - 89