Examining the continuity of modifiable cancer-risk behaviors from youth into adulthood through prospective longitudinal studies: A scoping review

Abstract

Objective

Modifiable health behaviors including tobacco and alcohol use, poor diet, and low physical activity increase risk for developing multiple cancers. Longitudinal research suggests that risky behaviors initiated in youth may persist into adulthood. This scoping review maps prospective longitudinal studies examining the continuity of these behaviors from youth into adulthood.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched for prospective longitudinal studies on the continuity of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and low physical activity from youth (<18) into adulthood (≥18). The scoping review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and methodology outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Three independent reviewers used Covidence review management software for screening and data extraction.

Results

Seventy-one studies met inclusion criteria. The majority of studies examined alcohol use (58 %) and tobacco use (24 %), with fewer studies addressing low physical activity (6 %) or poor diet (4 %). Over 90 % of studies reported continuity of behaviors from youth into adulthood. Persistence was most consistently observed for alcohol and tobacco use, with limited evidence supporting continuity of poor diet and low physical activity.

Conclusions

This review summarized available prospective longitudinal research on the continuity of health risk behaviors from youth into adulthood. While there is evidence for the continuity of youth alcohol and tobacco use into adulthood, notable research gaps exist for poor diet and physical activity, limiting our understanding of how these behaviors track across development. Implications for future cancer research are discussed.