Health Risk Behaviours and Preventive Measures among In-School Adolescents in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated health risk behaviours and preventive measures among in-school adolescents in Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, Nigeria. Two research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The cross- sectional study was adopted for the study. The study population comprised 400 in-school adolescents. A self-developed health risk behaviour and preventive measures questionaire (HRBPMQ) was used for data collection. Frequencys and percentage were used to answer the research questions, while simple linear regression analysis was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The results indicated that;the types of health risk behavior prevalent among in-school adolescents in Ihiala LGA includes unprotected sexual behaviour (77.6%) and unhealthy diet (72.6%) are more prevalent among in-school adolescents in Ihiala LGA. However, violence behaviours (69.0%), substance abuse (68.7%) and poor excerise habbit (66.8%) are also prevalent. There was a significant relationship between health risk behavior and location. Considering the types of health risk prevalent among in-school adolescents in Ihiala LGA, policymakers, schools, and community organizations should implement comprehensive and culturally sensitive programs that promote safe sexual practices and healthy eating habits among adolescents. In addition, Public health educators should integrate location-specific factors to health education programs to reduce health risk behaviors among in-school adolescents.