Social determinants of primordial prevention on youth: a Portuguese population-based cross-sectional study

Adolescence represents a critical period for developing health behaviours with long-term implications. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of health risk behaviours and their determinants among a population-based sample of 726 adolescents and young adults (14–24 years old) in northern Portugal. Utilising random route sampling, participants completed a self-administered survey assessing socio-demographics, health behaviours (diet, physical activity, alcohol, and tobacco use), spirituality, global health status, body image, and sources of health information. The study revealed a high prevalence of unhealthy behaviours: dietary errors (43.6%), insufficient physical activity (51.3%), regular tobacco use (14.7%), and regular alcohol consumption (13.4%). Significant determinants included sex, age, marital status, education, employment, spirituality, family income, self-perceived health, and body image satisfaction. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive health promotion interventions that effectively address social determinants of health and individual factors to improve the well-being of adolescents and young adults’ well-being.