Clustering of specific health-related behaviours among Toronto adolescents

• Published in: Canadian journal of dietetic practice and research Vol. 72; no. 3; pp. e155 - e160
• Main Authors: Turner, Kaitlin, Dwyer, John J M, Edwards, A Michelle, Allison, Kenneth R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Dietitians of Canada 01.09.2011
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Alcohol Drinking; Body Mass Index; Cluster Analysis; Computers; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fruit; Health Behavior; Health promotion; Humans; Internet; Male; Motor Activity; Ontario; Sedentary Lifestyle; Teenagers; Television; Vegetables; Toronto Ontario Canada
• ISSN: 1486-3847; 2292-9592
• DOI: 10.3148/72.3.2011.e155

The clustering of specific health-related behaviours was examined among adolescents. In 2005, cluster analysis was conducted to identify homogeneous groups of Toronto, Ontario, 14- to 17-year-old adolescents (n=445) with similar behaviour patterns according to self-reported measures of moderate to vigorous physical activity (metabolic equivalent [MET] hours a week of MVPA), sedentary behaviours (viewing television or videos, using a computer/the internet, doing homework, and talking with friends), fruit and vegetable consumption, and alcohol consumption. Three clusters of adolescents were identified: "active, high screen-time users," "active, low screen-time users," and "less active, least frequent drinkers." Identifying clusters of adolescents with similar health-related behaviour patterns suggests that researchers and practitioners should develop and implement interventions tailored to specific clusters.