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. 2020 Jan 29:25:1031.
doi: 10.4102/hsag.v25i0.1031. eCollection 2020.

Changing youth behaviour in South Africa

Nelisiwe Khuzwayo  1 , Myra Taylor  1 , Catherine Connolly  1
Affiliations

Changing youth behaviour in South Africa

Nelisiwe Khuzwayo et al. Health SA. .

Abstract

Background: Youth behaviour in South Africa continues to be a public health concern. Primary prevention interventions remain a pre-requisite for promotion of improved social and health outcomes.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a behavioural youth risk reduction intervention among grade 10 learners.

Setting: The Study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal high schools, at UMgungundlovu District Municipality.

Methods: We conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial at 16 KwaZulu-Natal high schools where learners completed a self- administered questionnaire assessing youth risk behaviours. Schools were divided into two arms, intervention and a control arms.

Results: The intervention reduced learners' reports of carrying of a weapon to school in the past 30 days, but did not significantly reduce other assessed risk behaviours. Although the intervention appeared more likely to reduce learners' risk behaviours when compared to the control group, such as carrying weapons, risky sexual behaviour and alcohol and drug abuse.

Conclusion: This study was unable to show statistical significance for these outcomes.

Keywords: alcohol abuse; carried weapons; sexual behaviours; students; youth behaviour.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no conflicts of interest exist.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Randomised controlled trial study flow (n = 1558).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Decrease in high school students’ risk behaviours between intervention and control groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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