Family characteristics associate with risk taking behaviour among urban and rural adolescents in two districts in Selangor: A comparative study

Abstract

Risk taking behaviour or social problem has become a major concern and it rated as one of the public health issue that need special attention. However, most of studies carried out in Malaysia amongst adolescent were focus on either urban or rural area. There is no study to compare risk taking behaviour among adolescents using the same study tools. The objectives of study are to compare the prevalence of risk taking behaviour and its associate factors among urban and rural adolescent. A comparative cross sectional study was conducted among 306 Form four students by multistage sampling from two selected secondary school and their parent also participated in this study. Data were collected using a self administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software version 17.0. The results showed risk taking behaviour had no association with location of study and the prevalence were high 81.7% (urban) and 84.7% (rural) compared to previous study. Most of the parental background factors such as parent’s education level, marital status, health status and income were unrelated to risk taking behaviour among adolescent. Multiple logistic regression test had shown being a male (Adjusted Odd Ratio = 4.6, 95% Confidence Interval: 2.28-9.07), inadequate number of bedroom (Adjusted Odd Ratio = 11.5,95% CI: 1.48-89.75), large number of household (Adjusted Odd Ratio = 1.3, 95% Confidence family conflict (Adjusted Odd Ratio = 3.6, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.49-8.89) and no family cohesion (Adjusted Odd Ratio = 3.1, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.15-8.46) were the negative predictor among adolescent in both area. In conclusion, the absence of balanced healthy family and conducive environment would lead to negative influence towards adolescent behaviour which may affect individual and community. It is necessity for parents and family to protect their children as they may face utmost challenges during transitional period. Therefore, it will be useful if prevention and good approach should be start in an early stage of their life. Keyword : Risk taking behaviour, family, Adolescent, rural and urban.