Publication:

Risk-taking behaviours among out-of-school female adolescents in Ibadan North local government area, Nigeria

Background Adolescents participate in risky behaviors that put their health at risk. The study aims at identifying risky behaviors and to determine the characteristics that influence risky behaviors among out-of-school adolescents and young females in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Nigeria.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study, involving 305 young females aged 10 to 24 chosen using a multistage random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather quantitative data. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20, while chi-square test was used to analyze the data.

Results Respondents' average age was 18.5±3.3 years. The majority (61.6%) have had sex, and 103 people (54.8%) did not wear a condom during their most recent sexual experience. The average age at sexual debut was 17.5±2.4 years. Of those sexually active, 76 (40.4%) had more than two sexual partners, while 123 (12.2%) have had transactional sex. Also, 54 (45.4%) consume alcohol, and 26 people (8.5%) had ever smoked. Heroin 9 (3.0%), cannabis 8 (2.6%), and cocaine 3(1.0%) were the substances commonly abused. It was shown that the respondents' living arrangements and alcohol consumption were highly correlated (p=0.00 and 0.00). Substance abuse and engaging in sexual activity or sex for profit were significantly correlated (p=0.00 and 0.01).

Conclusions Using a multi-domain interventional approach can help to improve adolescents understanding on the harmful effect of risky behaviors and also reduce risk behaviors to avoid future health problems.