Adolescent health behavior profiles and associations with mental health in a longitudinal study

Abstract

To characterize adolescent health behavior profiles and associations with mental health, mixture models using data from two assessment points (N = 201; Female = 53.7%, Time 1 m-age = 15.4 years; Time 2 m-age = 16.3 years) identified three distinct health behavior patterns. Profile 1 (27.9% of sample) had overall healthy behaviors (e.g. diet, physical activity, sleep), except nearly half tried e-cigarettes. Profile 2 (51.9%) had above average physical activity, minimal substance use, but diets high in sugar and below average sleep. The smallest, most concerning group (20.2%, Profile 3), had high caffeine and sugar consumption, low fruit/vegetable intake, below-average sleep duration, were physically inactive, and had the most substance use. Profile 3 adolescents had greater parent psychopathology and co-occurring and future mental health symptoms (p < 0.001). The findings provide important insights into the interrelated nature of adolescent health behaviors and their connection to mental health. Identifying high-risk groups allows for tailored, efficient intervention efforts.