OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to assess how sociodemographic characteristics (gender, type of school, place of residence, parental education, family structure) influence risk behaviours (fruit and vegetable consumption, brushing teeth, screen use, physical activity) among young people (18-25 years old).

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive questionnaire survey. Data collection was carried out using a self-designed demographic questionnaire and questions adapted from the HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children) survey (family structure and communication, level of family support, eating habits, oral hygiene, physical avtivity, screen use, sleeping habits, body image). Surveyed young people aged 18 and over in secondary school or university, using non-random expert sampling (N=172). Exclusion criteria were if the person was over 25 or has filled in the questionnaire incompletely. Descriptive statistical analysis and χ2 test were applied using Microsoft Excel 2010 (p<0.05).

RESULTS: The results showed that girls consume more vegetables and fruit, brush their teeth more often, have lower screen use and more physical activity than boys (p<0.05). Type of school also affected on nutrition and physical activity (p<0.05), the place of residence and parental education influenced diet, physical activity and screen use (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The health effects of an active, healthy adolescence have implications for adulthood. It is positively related to self-image, self-esteem and quality of family and peer relationships, and negatively related to subjective health complaints. Our research has also shown that gender, type of school and parental education influenced young people's health behaviour.