Injury and violence related behaviour among school-going adolescents in Jammu region

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a transition period of rapid growth and development which makes this age group more vulnerable. These vulnerabilities manifest in risk behaviours that predispose them to injuries, violence, suicidal tendencies and sexual abuse in adolescence and in later stages of life. The objective of present study was to assess the health risk behaviour of rural and urban male adolescents concerning injuries, violence and sexuality. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 848 school going adolescents (15-19 years) over a period of one year (2014-2015). Schools were randomly selected using multistage simple random sampling. The youth risk behaviour survey (YRBS) questionnaire was used for data collection. Behaviours regarding driving, carrying weapons, violence, suicidal thoughts and sexual activities were explored. Descriptive statistics was used in form of percentages and proportions. Chi square test was used as a test of significance. Results: Less than half of adolescents surveyed used helmet and seatbelt while 22%reported using mobile phone while driving. Out of total adolescents, 13.7% carried weapons to school while 23.8% damaged or stole other students' property. Adolescents in the urban area were more often threatened or injured with a weapon by someone on school premises as compared to rural counterparts. Nearly half of (47%) urban and 33% of rural ever felt so sad leading to stoppage of usual activities. Only 10.7% adolescents reported having first sexual intercourse out of which nearly one third (38.4%) had not used any method to prevent pregnancy. Conclusions: Adolescents frequently reported high risk behaviour regardless of place of residence and type of school.