Prevalence of selected health risk behaviors and associated factors, among G.C.E. ordinary level students (grade 10) in the MOH Area Dompe.

Abstract

To study the health risk behaviors and associated factors in adolescent. cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted among the grade 11 students attending schools in MOH area Dompe. Prevalence of current smokers among the study population was 13 3 percent and out of that 23.1 percent were male and 2.9 percent were females. In the present study overall current alcohol users were 22.3 percent, while 39.3 percent and 9.8 percent were males and female respectively. Out of the 465 students 8.3 percent attempted suicide while 21.5 percent had suicidal ideation during the preceding 12 months. Physical violence at least once during last 30 days reported as 38.7 percent. Experience of having sexual intercourse among the male students was 19.4 percent and while only 2.4 percent among the female. Good attachment with the family, regular friendly communication with parents and teachers, regular participation in religious activities all were protective factors for risk behaviors under study. While economic condition of family, educational and employment status of the parents, participation of sports were having much less influence on selected risk behaviors . Alcohol and smoking among the peers, bullying, divorced parents were risk factors for selected health risk behaviors of the present study. Strengthening of health promoting concept in schools with a overall improvement positive health behaviors and reduction in health risk behaviors should be the key strategy in risk prevention programs.