Citation

Maepa MP, Ntshalintshali T. Front. Public Health 2020; 8: e563325.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Frontiers Editorial Office)

DOI

10.3389/fpubh.2020.563325

PMID

33154959 PMCID

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Risk-taking and self-harm behavior among adolescent are a global challenge. This study explored family structure and history of childhood trauma and their association with risk-taking and self-harm behaviors among adolescents in Swaziland.

METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 470 male and female adolescents were sampled through simple random sampling from selected high schools in Swaziland. They completed a questionnaire assessing family structure, history of childhood trauma, and risk-taking and self-harm behaviors. Analysis of variance and t-test were used to analyze the results.

RESULTS: The findings revealed that family structure significantly influence risk-taking and self-harm behavior among adolescents [F(2, 247) = 5.481; P < 0.004] those from child-headed and single-parent households reported higher risk-taking and self-harm behaviors. The results also revealed adolescents history of childhood trauma to be more risk-takers than those without history of childhood trauma t(468) = 3.409, p < 0.001.

DISCUSSION: Study results suggest that family structure and history of childhood trauma have significant association with adolescents' risk-taking and self-harm behaviors.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescents; family structure; childhood trauma; risk taking behavior; self-harm behavior