Asiyeh Pirzadeh - Assistant Professor of health education & health promotion, faculty of health, Isfahan University of Medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Mohamad esmaeil Motlagh - MD, Head of family, population and schools health office, Ministry of health, Tehran ,Iran
Leila Rajaaei - MS, Adolescence health department , Ministry of health, Tehran, Iran
Gelayol Ardalan - MD, Head of adolescence health department, Ministry of health, Tehran ,Iran
Maryam Nasirian - Assistant Professor of biostatistics, faculty of health, Isfahan University of Medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Roya Kelishadi - Professor, Center of risky behavior research , Isfahan University of Medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Background and Aim : Young people play a prominent role in nation’s development but risky behaviors such as tobacco ,alcohol and drugs abuse affects their health and future. To prevent this dilemma, we need to have comprehensive information in this group. So, the aim of this research project was to explore these behaviors among Iranian youth.Methods : In 2016, this cross-sectional study was conducted in seven provinces of Iran (Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Kermanshah, Yazd, Khoozestan and Gilan). We recruited 8564 eligible (18-29 years) participants using multistage random sampling. We used a standardized questionnaire, included different sections, such as tobacco; drugs; and alcohol abuse as well as the participant’s attitude towards sexual behaviors. Mean, standard deviation, median, and frequency were used to describe data, in Stata 11.Results : Participant’s mean of age was 24.6 (±3.5) years. About 24% of men and 7.5% of women had daily tobacco use and the highest percentage of tobacco use was reported in Tehran and Mashhad and the lowest in Kermanshah. The mean ages of starting tobacco were 17 years old. The main reason for starting and continuing tobacco use was entertainment. History of drug use was approximately 1% and 3% for women and men respectively. The results showed that daily consumption of drugs in Mashhad and daily alcohol consumption in Kermanshah were higher than others. History of alcohol abuse was 14.6% for men and 3.4% for women. Forgetting problems was the main reason for starting stimulants, drugs, and/or alcohol abuse. Conclusion : Youths’ risky behaviors endanger youths and other parts of our community. Hence, based on the results of this study, intervention programs are required to reduce risky behaviors among Iranian youths. Further studies on social and cultural prerequisites should be conducted.

youth, alcohol, smoking