Health behaviours are actions taken by a person in the field of health. Risky behaviours are those that pose a threat to health. Bioelements are essential for the proper functioning of every organism. Their trace amounts are necessary for life and health. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between health behaviours and the levels of bioelements in the blood serum of secondary school students. This survey-based study was carried out on a sample of 376 secondary school students aged 13-16 years. It was performed using the HBSC questionnaire (Health Behaviour In School-aged Children: A WHO Collaborative Cross-national Study). Next, cubital vein blood was collected for laboratory tests, and the levels of bioelements (Mg, Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn) in blood serum were determined. The analysis of the research material did not demonstrate substantial differences in the mean serum levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe between smokers and non-smokers, alcohol consumers and non-consumers, drug users and non-users. There were no statistically significant correlations between the levels of bioelements and the frequency of drinking beer and vodka (p>0.05). A statistically significant correlation was observed between Cu levels and drinking wine (p≤0.05). Subjects showing aggressive behaviours (getting into scuffles) had lower Mg and Zn levels than other secondary school students. There were weak but statistically significant correlations between Cu levels and the frequency of wine consumption, and between serum Zn levels and smoking marijuana among the subjects.

21.3.2016