Estimating Psychosocial Risk Factors and Levels in Adolescents Attending School in Ambato, Ecuador

Original Research Articles
Rodrigo Moreta

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador

Carlos Reyes

Universidad Politécnica Salesiana del Ecuador

Marlon Mayorga

Universidad Politécnica Salesiana del Ecuador

Lorena León Tamayo

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador

Purpose: To determine the psychosocial risk levels in adolescents attending school in Ambato, Ecuador.

Method: We worked with a group of 302 adolescents between 14-18 years old, from four educational institutions. The assessment was made through the Self-Description Inventory (SDI) for adolescents.

Results: The results showed that the levels of risk behaviors and situations are below the cut-off point at all levels evaluated. Men exhibited greater differences (t(203)=3.094, p < 0.001) than women in the health risk dimension. We identified two vulnerable subgroups in the risk assessment: 20% of participants in the school dimension and 17% of women in the family dimension.

Conclusions: Family and individual psychological history constitutes a risk factor that is present in more risk behaviors and situations. The scope of these results in future prevention and intervention plans with Ecuadorian adolescents is discussed.

Keywords: adolescents, schooling, prevention and intervention plans, risk situations
Published
2017-10-26
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https://plu.mx/plum/a/?doi=10.16925/pe.v13i22.1986