Predictors of health risk behaviours among young adults: Analysis of the national population health survey

This paper examines the individual and social determinants of physical inactivity, daily smoking, heavy drinking, and overall risk behaviour among 1,395 Canadians aged 20-24 in the 1994 National Population Health Survey. Logistic regression was used to estimate models of risk behaviour using the following variables: sex, mastery, self-esteem, sense of coherence, chronic stress, psychological distress, social support, income adequacy, education, and main activity (working, looking for work, attending school, other). Results of the analysis indicate that the most consistent predictors were chronic stress and main activity. Thus, social context appears to be an important influence on risk-related behaviour, and should be taken into account in approaches designed to promote health behaviours.