Health Status and Health Behavior of Adolescents by Socioeconomic Characteristics

사회경제적 특성에 따른 청소년의 건강상태 및 건강행태 비교

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine health status and health behavior of adolescents by socioeconomic characteristics. Methods: Secondary analysis of the 2008 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted for 836 adolescence respondents. Results: First, the score of health status was 3.75 and high in 12-15 ages, living together with parents and private medical insured person. The score of oral health status was 2.85 and high in 12-15 ages, employed health insured, living together with parents. Second, dental treatment need was high in female, low income and dental checkup high in 12-15 ages and high income. Influenza vaccination was high in 12-15 ages. Diet contents was good in high income, living together parents and private medical insured and having breakfast was high in male, 12-15 ages, high income, living together with parents and private medical insured person. Third, smoking experience was high in male, low income, living together with single father or mother and drinking age was high in high income family. Forth, sinusitis was high in high income and small pox was high in low income. Conclusion: There might be many differences in the health status and health behavior of adolescents by sex, age, house income, type of family, private medical insurance. Our findings suggest that the need to develop appropriate health education program for high health problem behavior and intervention strategies for socioeconomic specified groups at greater risk.