Psychosocial Characteristics of Adolescents and Its Implication for Risky Behaviors: A Case of Gondar Town Secondary Schools
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Date
2005-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study was conducted in Amhara Regional State, North Gondar Zone, Gondar town,
Fassiledes secondary and preparatory school students. The study was carried out in an
allempt to disclose adolescents' psychosocial characteristics and its implication Jor risky
behaviors.
A comparative cross-sectional study supplemented with Jocus group discussion and
interview was conducted. A sample oj 323 (161 males and 162 Jemales) completed the
pre-tested structured questionnaire. Forty-seven parents and 44 teachers also completed
the pre-tested, structured separate questionnaire. Qualitative inJormation was obtained
Jrom Jocus group discussions and interview oj two teachers and two parents as key
inJormants.
The average age oJmenarche (onset oJpuberty Jor girls) was 14.55 years with a range oj
10-17 years. The study revealed that 52.3% oj adolescents reported over all unpleasant
emotional characteristics oj adolescence. A statistically significant higher proportion oj
late adolescents have an over all unpleasant emotional characteristics (P=O.OOO).
More than 56% oj the adolescents have an over all negative parent-adolescents
relationship and statistically significant higher proportion oj late adolescents have an
over all-negative parent adolescent relationship (P=O. 0213).
The majority (87.7%) oj respondents reported as they have good peer relationships,
50.2% oJthem reported also well adolescent-teacher relationship.
A significant proportion oj respondents have a "good" knowledge about risky behaviors.
About 80% oj them reported they were not involved in any oj the risky behaviors. Only
13% oj the respondents were sexually active.
The over all research finding indicate that respondents (students) have "good"
knowledge about the physical, psychosocial characteristics oj adolescence, risky
behaviors alld have good or positive peer-to peer relationship well as low rate oj
involvement in risky activities.
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Keywords
psychosocial characteristics, and its implication Jor risky behaviors.