Peer pressure and risky sexual behaviours among high school adolescent students in central Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between peer pressure and risky sexual behaviors among high school adolescents in central division Kampala. Out of total population of 400 adolescents in high school for two schools, a sample of 196 participants were selected using simple random sampling technique, at advanced level of secondary education in both Kampala High School and Kololo High School in Central Kampala. This study adopted a purely quantitative study approach which took a cross-sectional and correlational survey design. A self-administered questionnaire was used in the data collection. Collected data were further coded and analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 23) for tables and figures presentation. Pearson correlation coefficient was also used to examine the relationship between the study variables. A statistically significant positive relationship was observed between peer pressure and risky sexual behaviours (r = .343** p = .000 <0.01). The study recommends the inclusion of reproductive and sexual health education in the delivery messages and strategies for tackling factors influencing risky sexual behaviours. Awareness should also be created by incorporating sex education into the school curriculum by the Ministry of Education and Sports. This may help adolescents in high school from overcoming the power of peer influence in their daily decision-making and avoid engaging in risky sexual behaviours.