Prevalence and Factors Determining Adolescents Risk Taking Behaviours in Sarawak, Malaysia

Ying, Khung Ying and Md Mizanur, Rahman and Andrew, Kiyu (2024) Prevalence and Factors Determining Adolescents Risk Taking Behaviours in Sarawak, Malaysia. IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 23 (1). pp. 123-132. ISSN 2735-2285

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: During adolescence, significant physical, emotional, and social changes influence growth. This phase exposes adolescents to risky situations. Understanding adolescent risk-taking is crucial. This study aims to determine the extent of risk-taking behaviour among Malaysian adolescents and identify associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a community-based study, we surveyed 1,344 Malaysian adolescents aged 10-19 across 22 districts in Sarawak using multi-stage cluster sampling and face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS v28.0. RESULTS: Analysis found that 43.7% of adolescents engaged in risky behaviours, with a higher incidence in males (50.1%) compared to females (37.4%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified for low-medium risk behaviours were being aged 15-19 (AOR=1.52; CI:1.14-2.02), infrequent religious practice (AOR=1.70; CI:1.01-2.84), poor parent-child relations (AOR=2.02; CI:1.07-3.83) and having a history of mental abuse (AOR=3.02; CI:1.37-6.62). However, a larger family size appeared to be a protective factor (AOR=0.39; CI: 0.18-0.89). High-risk behaviours were more prevalent in older (AOR=2.65; CI:1.91, 3.68) male adolescents (AOR=2.75; CI: 2.02, 3.75) and low religious value (AOR=3.55; CI: 1.32-9.52), larger families (AOR=2.03; CI: 1.38-3.00), lower school grades (AOR=1.74; CI: 1.27-2.38), physical ailments (AOR=2.63; CI:1.60-4.32), and a history of mental abuse (AOR=3.85; CI:1.78-8.31). CONCLUSION: Adolescents aged 15-19 with weak family ties, low religious engagement, and a history of mental abuse tend to exhibit low to medium risk behaviours. Older male adolescents with health issues are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours, whereas those from larger families show fewer such tendencies. These insights are crucial for shaping targeted interventions and policies.

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