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INTRODUCTION: Adolescent health is currently undergoing a serious deterioration. The aim of this study was to identify the self-care practices in adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age attending secondary schools in four departments of the interior of the province of La Rioja, Argentina.

METHODOLOGY: descriptive cross-sectional and analytical study; data collected between October and November 2022 by non-probabilistic convenience sampling, with analysis of absolute and relative frequencies, multivariate logistic regression analysis and Odds ratio with 95% CI statistical significance of p= ˂0.05. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using the Principal Components method as extraction and the Orthogonal Varimax method as rotation. Analysis software, SPSS version 26.

RESULTS: There are discordances between the self-perception of health care and the practice carried out by the adolescents. Gender disparity in self-care is identified. The factors that increase self-care are the use of digital health applications, annual or shorter medical check-ups, and maintaining positive thinking habits. The main concern in relation to self-care among adolescents was the consumption of alcoholic beverages.