Prevalence and Types of Health Risk Behaviors among Omani Adolescents

Adolescents go through excessive physical and psychosocial changes that prepare them for adulthood, and during this developmental stage, they engage in risky behaviors. This study measures the prevalence of health risk behaviors among Omani adolescents and whether the difference in these behaviors is based on adolescent demographics. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 1,165 adolescents using the Rapid Assessment for Adolescent Preventive Services (RAAPS) questionnaire. The results showed that the first five most prevalent health risk behaviors out of 23 were: failing to use a helmet, when necessary (59.9%), feeling depressed (57.7%), loss of control (48.1%), unsafe driving-unfastened seat belt (44.4%), and dietary (43.8%). Only 18 students from the total sample had no risk behaviors, 159 students had five, and two had 19. In conclusion, despite the average and low prevalence of risk behaviors among Omani adolescents, the need for community intervention is crucial to maintain and further reduce the current low risk. Regular screening and tailored counseling services for the risk have been recommended. This study is novel to researchers in Oman and the Middle East as there is a dearth of research investigating health risk behaviors among adolescents. The results of this study will add some information that can be used for developing appropriate counseling and preventive measures.