A Comparative Study of Selected Risky Behaviours among Adolescents of Private and Public Secondary Schools in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adolescent risky behaviours are of public health concern globally. Risky behaviours are often initiated during adolescence which can lead to morbidity and mortality in individuals. The main aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of alcohol intake and risky sexual behaviour among senior secondary school adolescents attending public and private schools in Ughelli North local government area of Delta state, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study design was adopted for this study. The study was carried out in four private schools and two public schools in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria from May to June 2018. Multi stage sampling technique was used for the study. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 282 study participants. 141 attended public schools while 141 attended private schools. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and proportion) and inferential statistics (logistic regression and chi-square (c2) where a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant). Results: 282 questionnaires were administered and all were retrieved which yielded a 100% response rate. This study found statistically significant differences in alcohol intake (31.2% vs. 59.6%; p=0.001; OR=0.31; 95%CI: 0.19-0.50) and risky sexual behaviour (23.4% vs. 5.6%; p=0.001; OR=5.07; 95%CI: 2.25- 11.45) among adolescents attending public and private senior secondary schools. Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis. Conclusion: Alcohol intake was more prevalent among private school participants while risky sexual behaviour was more prevalent among public school participants in this study. Therefore, collective efforts are required from the family, school, community, government and non-governmental organizations to curb risky behaviours among secondary school adolescents in Ughelli North local government area of Delta state, Nigeria.