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.