Socio-Demographic Differences in Multiple Risk Taking Behaviour Pattern Among Secondary School Adolescents in Enugu Urban.

ABSTRACT The study determined the socio demographic differences in multiple risk taking behaviour patterns among secondary school adolescents in Enugu urban. Six (6) objectives and five (5) hypotheses were set to guide the study. Relevant literatures were reviewed to enhance the theoretical background of the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 422 respondents, who met the inclusion criteria, was used for the study. A convenience sampling technique was used to reach the respondents. Data were collected using a researcher developed questionnaire with a reliability of 0.76.Simple descriptive analysis of data obtained was done to show frequency, percentages and mean scores. Chi square was used to test the hypotheses on the socio-demographic differences in multiple risk behaviour patterns. Result revealed that majority of adolescents do not engage in risk behaviour and very few engaged in multiple risk behaviour: those that engaged in two risks behaviours were either drinking and smoking or drinking and sexual activity, or smoking and sexual activity. Those that engage in three risk behaviours were engaged in smoking, drinking and sexual activity. Most of the adolescents that engaged in multiple risks behaviour started less than a year as at the time of study. Averagely the adolescent started the multiple risk taking behaviours at age of 15; major reason for engagement in multiple risks bahaviour by adolescents was to have fun; there was a significant association between adolescents’ socio-demographic characteristics and their engagement in multiple risks taking behaviours: males engaged in multiple risk behaviours than females; catholic adolescents engaged more in multiple risks taking behaviours than other Christian denominations; adolescents whose parents had tertiary education engaged more in multiple risk behaviour than other adolescents; adolescents from high socio-economic background engaged more in multiple risks taking behaviour than those from low socioeconomic background; early adolescents engaged more in multiple risks taking behaviour than the late adolescents.It is therefore recommended that the school nurse through health education program should teach students some problem solving skills, structured time use and interpersonal connections that will help adolescents to be gainfully employed.