Adolescent health indicators in Mercosur countries: Analysis of school survey data

ABSTRACT Risk behaviours in adolescence have a short- and long-term impact on health. Analysing health data from the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) countries can strengthen surveillance and support public policies. To compare the prevalence of health indicators among adolescents in Mercosur countries. A descriptive study was conducted using data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey in Argentina (2018), Paraguay (2017), and Uruguay (2019), as well as from the National Survey of School Health in Brazil (2015 and 2019). Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals of indicators were analysed for the total adolescent population and by gender. Alcohol experimentation before the age of 14 was higher in Argentina, while drunkenness was higher in Brazil. Current cigarette smoking and any tobacco product use were higher in Argentina. Regular physical activity was lower in Brazil. Sedentary behaviour was higher in Uruguay. Brazil had the lowest condom use at last sexual intercourse. There were differences in health risk behaviours among adolescents in the studied countries. These results can assist governmental entities in these countries in promoting the exchange of best practices.