Association between the health perception and determined behaviors related to the health in adolescents from FLorianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the possible associations between the health perception and determined behaviors related to the health in adolescents from Florianópolis, in state of Santa Catarina. The sample was comprised of 516 adolescents (average age=16,0; SD=1.14 years). The data was collected through a previously-tested questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square test and prevalence ratio, with p<0.05. Most of the adolescents (80%) reported positive health perceptions (excellent or good). Boys referred to better health perception (86.1%) than girls (75.3%). In boys, it was observed that the health perception was associated to abusive alcohol consumption, in which the larger ratio of positive perception was found among those classified as abusive consumers of alcohol. Among girls, a significant association of the perception of health with the consumption of fruits and vegetables was evidenced and the practice of physical activity as leisure, with a greater ratio of positive perception found among those adolescents with positive behaviors in these variables. Smoking behavior and the consumption of other drugs was associated to the perception of health.