Health risk behaviors Project (COMPAC) in youth of the Santa Catarina State, Brazil: ethics and methodological aspects.

Abstract

Several school-based epidemiological surveys have been conducted by researchers worldwide. The aim of this article is to describe the methodological aspects used in planning the COMPAC Project (Behavior of Adolescents from Santa Catarina state) carried out in 2001 and 2011. The project presents state-wide school-based epidemiological characteristics (panel study). The population included public high school students between the ages of 15 to 19 years old from Santa Catarina. The sample (n = 5,028 in 2001; n = 6,529 in 2011) was representative of the six geographic regions of the state and was done in two stages, selecting the following items: (1) schools stratified by size (large: 500 or more students; medium: 200-499, and small: fewer than 200); and (2) shifts (day and evening), randomly chosen considering the proportion of students per grade and shift. In 2001, 5,463 students took part in the study, but 380 were excluded for being outside the age range and 55 were removed because they filled out the questionnaire incorrectly. In 2011, 7,077 students participated, but 508 were excluded and 40 removed for the same reasons mentioned above. The students responded a questionnaire on lifestyle and health risk behavior. Both surveys found a greater proportion of girls, single individuals, living with their family and residing in urban areas. The 2001 survey revealed a higher proportion of 17 to 19 year-olds who worked, who were enrolled in the second year of high school, and studied in the evening when compared to the 2011 survey. The methodological tools utilized in this study will can support the development of research with high school adolescents.