Comparing migrant and “native” Italian adolescents in risky behaviours

Background: Risky behaviours are detrimental to health, and their onset in adolescence is a key marker of risky behaviours in adulthood. Research on the relationship between migrant background and the use of substances has underlined the importance of the cultural environment in which teenagers grow. Aim: This study aims to assess the correlation between adolescents' cultural background and adolescent substance use in Italy, taking into account the eventual migrant background. Methods: Data from the HBSC 2018 surveillance were used to analyse the risk behaviours. We used logistic regressions to evaluate the effect of cultural background on risky behaviours. Conclusions: This analysis highlights that migrant status plays a protective role in all three risky behaviours. The results of the maternal birthplace emphasize the cultural background differences.