Perception Of Adolescents Toward Health-Compromising Factors In The Hail Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a formative developmental stage characterized by significant physical, emotional, and behavioral transitions. During this period, individuals often develop health-related behaviors that persist into adulthood. In Saudi Arabia, increasing attention has been given to adolescent health; however, limited research exists on how young people perceive health-compromising behaviors in specific regions such as Hail. Objective: This study aimed to assess the perception of adolescents in the Hail region toward unhealthy lifestyle patterns, including smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and inadequate stress management. The study also examined the association between demographic characteristics and levels of perception. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 388 high school students aged 11–22 in the Hail region. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire comprising a demographic section and a 37-item health protective behavior scale. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data, and institutional guidelines secured ethical approval. Results: The findings revealed that 95.6% of adolescents demonstrated a high level of perception regarding health-compromising behaviors. High perception scores were particularly evident in smoking avoidance, medication awareness, and hygiene practices. Moderate scores were observed in physical activity, dietary habits, and emotional self-regulation. Gender was the only demographic variable significantly associated with perception levels (p = .034), with females showing higher awareness than males. Conclusion: Adolescents in Hail exhibit a strong awareness of health risks, particularly about substance use and preventive care. However, behavioral gaps persist in areas requiring sustained lifestyle changes. These findings underscore the need for targeted, gender-sensitive interventions and integrating health education programs within schools. Strengthening adolescent health perception through culturally relevant and accessible platforms can contribute to long-term health outcomes and align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 health goals.