Trends in Adolescent Alcohol and Other Risky Health‐ and School‐Related Behaviors and Outcomes in Australia
Introduction
Adolescent alcohol use has been declining in Australia over the past two decades, but this trend may be part of a broader shift towards healthier lifestyles for adolescents. This study examined trends in the prevalence of multiple risky health‐ and school‐related behaviors and outcomes to test whether this was the case.
Methods
Data on multiple behaviors and outcomes were collated from Australian government agencies and other relevant sources for 10–19‐year‐olds from the year 2000 onward. Trends were examined descriptively.
Results
Rates of substance use, youth offending and injuries due to underage driving declined over the study period. Some health‐related behaviors (physical activity and diet) worsened between 2001 and 2017; however, obesity rates remained stable. Risky sexual behaviors increased in terms of early initiation of lifetime sexual intercourse and decreased condom use. However, sexual health outcomes improved with a reduction in teenage pregnancies and there was a recent decline in sexually transmitted infection rates from 2011 onward. Suicide rates and rates of major depressive disorders increased. School attendance and engagement in full‐time work or study remained stable.
Discussion and Conclusions
The decline in adolescent alcohol use does not appear to correspond with increased engagement in healthier behaviors; however, it may be related to a more risk‐averse way of living. Future work could be directed towards identifying which social, economic, policy and environmental factors have impacted positive changes in risky behaviors. Public health efforts can then be directed towards behaviors or outcomes, which have not yet improved.
