Diagnostic indicators of risk‐prone health behaviors in pregnant adolescents

Purpose This study aimed to identify diagnostic indicators associated with the nursing diagnosis risk‐prone health behaviors in pregnant adolescents. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional study. The sample consisted of 181 pregnant adolescents. A latent class analysis was conducted to verify associations between the defining characteristics of risk‐prone health behaviors and diagnostic accuracy measures. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the manifestation of risk‐prone health behavior. Findings The prevalence of risk‐prone health behaviors in this sample was 31.04%. The defining characteristics failure to take action that prevents health problems and inappropriate eating habits achieved a high sensitivity. The related factors such as insufficient social support, stressors, low self‐efficacy, social anxiety, isolated region of residence, and restricted access to health services presented significant associations with risk‐prone health behavior. Conclusions The diagnostic indicators associated with the nursing diagnosis of risk‐prone health behavior were failure to take action that prevents health problems inappropriate eating habits, insufficient social support, stressors, low self‐efficacy, social anxiety, isolated region of residence, and restricted access to health services. Implications for nursing practice This study contributes to knowledge about the diagnostic indicators of risk‐prone health behavior, which may help nurses reach the proper diagnosis. This will facilitate the application of clinical judgment in nursing care to assist pregnant adolescents.