Risk behaviour:
Specific forms of behaviour which are proven to be associated with increased susceptibility to a specific disease or ill-health.
Reference: modified definition
Risk behaviours are usually defined as “risky” on the basis of epidemiological or other social data. Changes in risk behaviour are major goals of disease prevention, and traditionally health education has been used to achieve these goals. Within the broader framework of health promotion, risk behaviour may be seen as a response, or mechanism for coping with adverse living conditions. Strategies to respond to this include the development of life skills, and creation of more supportive environments for health.
