Influence of Peers and Gender on Adolescent Health Risk Behavior

Abstract

This study the influence of peer and gender on adolescent health risk behavior in Makurdi local government. The study employed cross sectional survey method. Two hundred and thirty two (231) participants were selected using simple random sampling among Adolescents in Makurdi Local Government. Their age ranges from 12-17 .The study used two instruments which include (i) Peer group caring interaction scale (ii) Health risk assessment (HRA) scale. Results from the hypotheses tested showed that, there was a significant influence of peers on adolescent health risk behavior in Makurdi Local Government.  It further showed that there was no significant gender difference on adolescent health risk behavior in Makurdi Local Government. Finally, it revealed a significant joint influence of peer and gender differences on adolescent health risk behavior in Makurdi Local Government. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made among others: Efforts should be intensified in educating the populace especially adolescents on the influence their fellow peers have on them and also school counselors and health workers in various localities should hold sensitization seminars to help pass the knowledge of health risks to the adolescents in order to help them live longer and healthier. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Title page i

Declaration ii

Approval page iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgements v

Table of Contents vii

List of Tables ix

Abstract x

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 7

Aim and Objectives of the Study 9

Research Questions 9

Significance of the Study 10

Scope of the Study 10

Operational Definition of Terms 11

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Conceptual Review 12

2.2 Theoretical Review 21

2.3 Empirical Review 31

2.4 Summary of Literature Review 33

2.5 Hypotheses 34

CHAPTER THREE: METHOD

3.1 Design 35

3.2 Setting 35

3.3 Participants 36

3.4 Sampling 36

3.5 Instruments 37

3.6 Procedure 37

3.7 Data Analysis 38

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS

4.1 Presentation of Results 39

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND 

RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Discussion 42

5.2 Conclusion 44

5.3 Recommendations 44

5.4 Limitations of the Study 45

 REFERENCES 47

 Appendices 55