Abstract
BackgroundYouth behaviour in South Africa continues to be a public health concern. Primary prevention interventions remain a pre-requisite for promotion of improved social and health outcomes.AimThe aim of the study was to assess the impact of a behavioural youth risk reduction intervention among grade 10 learners.SettingThe Study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal high schools, at UMgungundlovu District Municipality.MethodsWe conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial at 16 KwaZulu-Natal high schools where learners completed a self- administered questionnaire assessing youth risk behaviours. Schools were divided into two arms, intervention and a control arms.ResultsThe intervention reduced learners’ reports of carrying of a weapon to school in the past 30 days, but did not significantly reduce other assessed risk behaviours. Although the intervention appeared more likely to reduce learners’ risk behaviours when compared to the control group, such as carrying weapons, risky sexual behaviour and alcohol and drug abuse.ConclusionThis study was unable to show statistical significance for these outcomes.
Highlights
Youth behaviour in South Africa continues to be a public health concern
The latest South African survey on youth risk behaviours reports that adolescents initiate alcohol use prior to the age of 13 years, and that men were more likely than women to use alcohol, engage in binge drinking, to have driven or walked under the influence of liquor and engaged in physical fighting (Burton & Leoschut 2013a; Shisana et al 2015)
In South Africa, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rate is decreasing, youth are severely affected by HIV, violence and unplanned teenage pregnancy (District 2012; National Department Health 2012; Mkhwanazi 2010)
Summary
Youth behaviour in South Africa continues to be a public health concern. Youth risk behaviour, including risky sexual behaviour, drug abuse and violence, is a public health concern and South Africa is no exception. Numerous interventions have been conducted to mitigate risk-taking, young people continue to practise unsafe sex, binge drink and use illicit drugs, and are involved in violence. In South Africa, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rate is decreasing, youth are severely affected by HIV, violence and unplanned teenage pregnancy (District 2012; National Department Health 2012; Mkhwanazi 2010). It is widely acknowledged that the high prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and rate of teenage pregnancy are fuelled by high-risk behaviours (Harrison et al 2010a)
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