Extra-curricular activities and youth risky behaviours in South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between extra-curricular activities and risky sexual and illicit drug use behaviours among youth (12–22 years old) in South Africa. The study uses nationally representative data. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models are used. Results show that a high percentage of youth engage in at least one type of risky sexual behaviour (33.84%) and have used at least one type of illicit substance (7.79%). Sports (about 60%) and youth groups (about 15%) are the most popular forms extra-curricular activities. Further, the odds of risky sexual behaviour are higher for youth who participate in sports (OR = 1.29, p-value < .05) and youth groups (OR = 1.58, p-value < .05). While youth who engage in other, undefined extra-curricular activities (OR = 2.11, p-value < .05) and sports (OR = 1.03, p-value < .05) have higher odds of illicit drug use. There is need to monitor and evaluate local extra-curricular activities to prevent risky behaviours among youth.