A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.
Authors:
Mariyam Abbas, MA
Ella R. Fink, BS
Julia Wood, BA
Theodore A. Walls, PhD
Objective:
This study addresses a crucial gap in understanding multiple health risk behaviors (MHRBs) among adolescents and young adults by presenting a conceptual model of interconnectedness of health risk behaviors. Our model emphasizes that combined MHRBs amplify potential harms and complicate health outcomes.
Methods:
We conducted a rapid review focused on two key areas: (1) the impact of multiple risky behaviors on mental health and (2) potential intervention strategies to mitigate adverse MHRB outcomes. Following a quality assessment, we categorized 30 studies into three themes to inform our conceptualization of MHRBs.
Results:
The review revealed a high prevalence of studies on adolescents and collegeaged individuals engaging in MHRBs. Mental health studies indicated negative outcomes, and intervention-focused studies suggested that behavior change techniques could effectively mitigate these risks. Analyzing themes facilitated the development of a theoretical model called IMHRBDynamic that integrates MHRBs, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these behaviors interact and influence overall health outcomes.
Conclusions:
Our conceptualization of MHRBs promotes early interventions addressing individual and socio-environmental factors to strengthen youth health outcomes systemically.
Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.4.4