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. 2014:2014:705835.
doi: 10.1155/2014/705835. Epub 2014 Sep 8.

Behavioral disorder amongst adolescents attending secondary school in southeast Nigeria

J M Chinawa  1 , P C Manyike  2 , H A Obu  1 , O I Odetunde  1 , E C Aniwada  3 , I K Ndu  4 , A T Chinawa  5
Affiliations

Behavioral disorder amongst adolescents attending secondary school in southeast Nigeria

J M Chinawa et al. Behav Neurol. 2014.

Abstract

Background: Adolescents are prone to various forms of behavioral problems. These behavioral issues in adolescents can have serious consequences for the adolescents.

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to determine the causative factors of adolescent problems and specific manifestations.

Methods: Behavioral problems were investigated using a random sampling of adolescents from secondary schools in southeast Nigeria from February to April, 2014. A self-administered questionnaire was developed from Health Kids Colorado Questionnaire.

Results: A total of 763 subjects completed the questionnaire. Adolescents who reported to have used tobacco 3 to 5 and 6 to 9 times during the last 30 days are just 3.14% and 3.4%, respectively. Nineteen (2.49%) adolescents claimed that they have had sex before but not in the last 3 months. Adolescents who attempted suicide are from 15 years and peaked at 18. Eighty-three (11%) adolescents who are 15 years old attempted suicide in a year; this peaks at 17 years where 235 (30.8%) committed suicide. Majority of adolescents with behavioral disorder are from the upper class family.

Conclusion: This study revealed that adolescents exhibit several forms of behavioral problems.

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