Clustering of health-related behaviours within children aged 11–16: a systematic review

Abstract Objective We aimed to systematically review and synthesise evidence on the clustering of a broad range health-related behaviours amongst 11–16 year olds. Method A literature search was conducted in September 2019. Studies were included if they used cluster analysis, latent class prevalence odds ratios, principal component analysis or factor considered at least three interest among olds high-income countries. Health-related substance use (alcohol, cigarettes other drug use) behavioural risk indicators (diet, physical activity, gambling sexual activity). Results The identified 41 studies, which reported 198 clusters interest. within define eight archetypes. Some studies only explored use, while others and/or behaviours. Consequently, archetypes comprised by reporting alone. were: (1) Poly-Substance Users, (2) Single Substance (3) Abstainers, (4) Users with No/Low Behavioural Risk Indicators, (5) Abstainers (6) Complex Configurations, (7) Overall Unhealthy (8) Healthy. Conclusion youth health typically find both ‘healthy’ an ‘unhealthy’ cluster. are often characterised poly-substance use. Our approach synthesising analyses may offer means navigating heterogeneity method, measures this literature.