Präventionsbedarfe und -interessen bei Berufslernenden

Background: To date, little is known about the health behavior of young people attending vocational schools. Aim of the study: Based on data from a sample of vocational students in Switzerland, we investigate (1) in which demographic subgroups addictive behaviors, stress and protective factors are particularly prevalent and (2) which topics within a multibehavioral addiction prevention program for vocational students are of particular interest. Materials and methods: Overall, 58% of vocational learners from 60 schools and 493 school classes participated in a health survey as part of the ready4life prevention program in the 2020/2021 school year. Data are available from 5622 (of 7495, 75%) students who gave consent to participate in the program. Multilevel models and regressions were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics, addictive behaviors, stress and protective factors. Results: The majority of vocational students (77.1%) exhibited risky addictive behaviors in one to three of the four areas examined (1) alcohol use, (2) tobacco/nicotine use, (3) cannabis use, and (4) Internet use. Female students were more likely to report stress, low social competence, and low self-efficacy, and more likely to exhibit high-risk alcohol use and Internet use. In contrast, among male students, risky use of tobacco/nicotine and cannabis was more prevalent. Most interesting for students participating in the ready4life program were the topics stress and Internet use. Conclusion: The study provides information about subgroups of students with particularly high addiction risks and indications of prevention needs and interests among students in vocational schools.