Gesondheidsrisikogedrag by adolessente van verskillende ouderdomme

Abstract

This study investigated the health risk behaviours of adolescents from selected schools in Potchefstroom, in the North West Province of South Africa, with the emphasis on age variation. The Youth Risk Behaviour Survey (YRBS) was administered to 323 high school pupils between the ages of 13 and 18 years (141 boys and 182 girls). The age variation was: 13 years (8%), 14 years (18%), 15 years (19%), 16 years (20%), 17 years (17%), 18 and older (18%). Ethnic variation was 32% black, 30% white, 27% Coloured and 11% Indian high school pupils. The Youth Risk Behaviour Survey (YRBS) monitors six categories of priority risk behaviours among youth and young adults: behaviours that contribute to unintentional and intentional injuries, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviours, dietary behaviours and physical activity. The section on dietary behaviours was not included in this study. Results of this study indicated that there are many high school pupils in Potchefstroom who practice behaviours that place them at risk for serious health problems from the age of 13 years. A higher frequency of risk behaviours were found with older adolescents. Statistical differences within the age variation were found in violence, alcohol, marijuana use and sexual activity.


Keywords: Health risk behaviour, Adolescents, Violence, Substance, Sexual activity, Physical activity


South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation Vol.25(2) 2003: 27-36