Factors associated with health risk behaviors among Brazilian adolescents: an integrative review

OBJECTIVE: Identifying knowledge about factors associated with health risk behaviors among Brazilian adolescents. METHOD: An integrative review of the literature conducted in the Cochrane, IBECS, LILACS, MEDLINE and SciELO databases in relation to risk behaviors recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (37) studies were analyzed, with a predominance of risky sexual behavior, tobacco use and violent behavior. Advancing age favored unprotected sex, alcohol and tobacco use. Family and friends influence was related to smoking and alcoholism. Males were more involved in situations of violence and the female gender was associated with physical inactivity. Belonging to a lower economic class was related to unprotected sex, physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary behaviors and violence. Studying in private school was related to unhealthy dietary behavior. CONCLUSION: Risk behaviors were related to social, economic and family factors and they tend to agglomerate.