title: Prevalence and correlates of problem behaviors among adolescents in Hong Kong.
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.
authors.affiliation: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Maggie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Ming-yue
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Kan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000453:epidemiology; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012574:Schools; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013800:Theft / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055816:Wandering Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data