The Influence of Parent’s Socio Economic Status on Adolescents and Youths Health Risk Behaviors in Enugu Nigeria

Risk behaviors among the youth are associated with considerable negative health and developmental outcomes. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between parent’s socioeconomic status and the risk behaviors practiced by adolescents and youths in Enugu. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data was collected from students in 2 tertiary institutions, who were selected consecutively using semi- structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. There was a high prevalence of priority health risk behaviors among the adolescents and youths. 35.8% drove recklessly, 41.2% used alcohol and 4.4% used “hard” drugs. 34.6% had unprotected sex, 18.7% smoked cigarette, 23.8% practiced unhealthy dietary behaviors while 38.1% indulged in sedentary lifestyle. Age, gender and socioeconomic class had profound influence on the practice of risk behaviors. The age range 15-24 years and the male gender were more involved. Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits were commoner among students from the upper socioeconomic class. Youths from all socioeconomic strata are susceptible to health risk behaviors, thus prevention efforts for these health concerns should be universal.