Thesis title: RISK HEALTH BEHAVIORS ENCOUNTERED IN SECONDARY SCHOOL YOUNG PEOPLE IN KOSOVO: THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN DISEASE PREVENTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Abstract
Adolescents in Kosovo engage in multiple health-risk behaviors. This doctoral study estimated their prevalence and determinants and examined the contribution of school-based health education. A cross-sectional survey of 300 secondary-school students (15–19 years; mean 16.8, standard deviation 1.2) from urban and rural schools used a culturally adapted Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis supported construct validity, and internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha >0.70). Male sex strongly predicted higher overall risk (β=1.842, p<0.001) and tobacco use (odds ratio [OR]=2.35, p<0.001), with increased alcohol/drug use (β=1.560, p<0.01) and risky sexual behavior (β=1.280, p<0.05). Age >16 years was associated with higher total risk (β=0.926, p=0.004) and less healthy nutrition. Compared with vocational schools, general-education schools showed greater tobacco (β=1.412, p<0.001) and alcohol/drug use (β=1.098, p<0.01) and weaker school connectedness (β=–1.750, p<0.01). Short sleep (<6 h; OR=1.95, p<0.01) and >4 h/day social-media use (β=1.240, p<0.001) correlated with higher risk, while stronger parental monitoring and school connectedness were protective. Targeted prevention should prioritize males, older adolescents, and general-education settings, integrating comprehensive health education, parental engagement, mental-health support, improved school connectedness, and digital-media hygiene.
Keywords: adolescent health; risk behaviors; health education; Kosovo; school connectedness; parental monitoring; sleep and social media.