Health behaviours in deaf/hard-of-hearing adolescents and adolescents with auditory processing disorder from a special needs school

Adolescents' health behaviours shape long-term health, yet many adolescents do not meet recommendations for healthy eating or physical activity. Evidence on deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) adolescents and those with auditory processing disorder (APD) is limited, despite inclusive WHO health promotion aims. This study examined health behaviours, gender differences, and associations with self-efficacy among DHH/APD adolescents and compared them with hearing peers. In 2022, 84 DHH/APD adolescents from a German special needs school completed self-reports; in 2024, 75 DHH/APD adolescents from a special needs school and 150 matched hearing adolescents from general schools participated. About 40% of the DHH/APD group met daily dietary recommendations, and 19% achieved the activity guideline. Girls consumed more vegetables, whereas boys were more physically active and less sedentary. Higher self-efficacy was associated with healthier behaviours. No significant differences between DHH/APD and hearing adolescents were found. Findings highlight the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive health promotion and for strengthening self-efficacy.