Self-rated health and health-related quality of life are related with adolescents' healthy lifestyle

Objectives: Self-rated health (SRH) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are related with health outcomes. It is expected that these constructs are also associated with healthy behaviours. Thus, the present study sought to analyse the associations between a healthy lifestyle composite score and SRH and HRQoL among adolescents. Study design: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Methods: Data were obtained from the cross-sectional health behaviour in school-aged children (HBSC) 2014 Portuguese survey. Participants were 5024 adolescents (2373 boys), aged 10–17 years. A composite score of healthy lifestyle was obtained using the combination of the following factors: daily physical activity, sleep at least 8–9 h/night, daily consumption of fruit and vegetables, spend <2 h daily in screen-based behaviours, never drink and never smoke. Results: Adolescents with a healthy lifestyle had significantly better SRH and higher HRQoL than those who were not engaged in all healthy behaviours. Conclusions: Healthy lifestyle (composed of physical activity, sleep at least 8–9 h/night, daily consumption of fruit and vegetables, spend <2 h daily in screen-based behaviours, never drink and never smoke) is related to SRH and HRQoL. Promoting a comprehensive approach to these behaviours is a public health strategy to be considered when aiming to improve health, in general, and SRH and HRQoL, in particular.