Prevalence and correlate of problem behaviors among adolescents in Hong Kong

Ka Wai, Maggie LAU, Ming Yue KAN

Research output: Journal PublicationsJournal Article (refereed)peer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aims of this study were to examine the frequency and correlates of problem behaviors among Hong Kong adolescents. It is a cross-sectional survey targeting secondary forms 1 to 3 (equivalent to grades 7-9 in the United States) students (N = 1029). A self-administered questionnaire was used as the measurement tool. The study found that there are intercorrelations of problem behaviors in adolescence, such as tobacco use, alcohol use, drug abuse, and having connections with triad society. Given the intercorrelations among problem behaviors, identification of a single type of problem behavior in adolescents can help discover the likelihood of the occurrence of other problem behaviors. It can facilitate identification and intervention at an early stage. The results provide some insights for the concerned authorities to develop a syndrome approach addressing problem behaviors.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)354-364
Number of pages11
JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010
Externally publishedYes

Funding

The authors declared a potential conflict of interest as follows:The second author is affiliated to the Committee on Youth Smoking Prevention based in Hong Kong. The committee has received donations (total amount: HK$ 32,655,317) from 3 tobacco companies and the Tobacco Institute of Hong Kong from 2002 to 2007 on 2 preconditions: (a) the tobacco industry shall not interfere in the operation of the committee and (b) the committee will not acknowledge the donation in the committee's publication except in the financial report requested by the government and when requested by a third party, such as a refereed journal.

Keywords

  • adolescent
  • disciplinary problem
  • problem behaviors
  • smoking
  • substance abuse

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