The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of health risk behaviors such as inactivity, poor nutrition, alcoholism, drug addition, involvement in physical fights and the lack of use of condoms during sex, in adolescents of Uruguaiana (RS), Brazil. The data were collected using a questionnaire on risk behavior and lifestyle, consisting of 13 questions with demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables. We have founded that the risk behaviors more prevalent were never\ rarely use of condoms during sexual intercourse, consumption of alcohol and engaging in fights. About 30% of adolescents presented, at least, one risk behavior and 20% presented two or more risk behaviors. Given this frequency of exposure to its risks, it is necessary to implement health measures in the school context, aimed to reduce exposure to these risk factors, promoting the health of adolescents.
risk behaviors; adolescents; health