The age of opportunity: prevalence of key risk factors among adolescents 10-19 years of age in nine communities in sub-Saharan Africa

This study aimed to assess health-related behaviors and risk factors among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Conducted between 2015 and 2017, it involved 8075 adolescents aged 10-19 from nine communities across Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study found high rates of inadequate fruit consumption (57-63%) and low physical activity (82-90%), along with moderate rates of inadequate vegetable consumption (21-31%), unprotected last sex (38-45%), and experiences of bullying and physical fighting (12-35%). The prevalence of mental health issues and substance use was generally low, though khat use in Ethiopia was notable. The results highlighted significant concerns related to diet, physical activity, violence, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health, underscoring the need for tailored community interventions to address these issues among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.

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