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.