EXPLORING THE RISK BEHAVIOUR OF LEARNERS IN A SOUTH AFRICAN PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL

Abstract

Adolescent learners tend to express their independence by engaging in risky health behaviour inclusive of poor eating habits, smoking and alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to assess whether adolescents attending a religious school that maintains strict discipline are less likely to engage in risky behaviour. Learners attending a private Christian school were asked to complete a health risk behavioural questionnaire, which measured attitudes toward eating habits, alcohol and drug use, participation in exercise and sexual activity, smoking habits and adherence to Christian values. The sample group consisted of 117 study participants distributed across all high school Grades. On balance, these learners were more conservative than others attending secular schools and most reported healthy eating habits; 92.3% consumed dairy products, 64.1% consumed more than two fruits and 81.2% more than two vegetables per day. More than 78% exercised regularly. Only 10.2% consumed alcohol, 3.4% smoked and 5.2% used recreational drugs. Of all learners, 93.2% indicated their Christian values as having a moderating impact on their lifestyle. The study concludes with the recommendation to investigate ways in which the strategies employed by this Christian school could be promoted to other schools given the finding that Christian values translate into positive health outcomes amongst adolescents. As it seems that the strict Christian education of these learners leads to less risky health behaviour, ways in which to promote this school’s strategies to other schools could be investigated.