Romantic relationships as a predictor of heath risk behavior among adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria

Emmanuel Adebayo, University College Hospital, Ibadan
Olayemi Omotade, University of Ibadan
Adesola Sangowawa, University College Hospital, Ibadan

Adolescence is a transition period between childhood and adulthood. This period of development is unique in its relationship form. Adolescents (especially mid-adolescents) during this stage of development, begin to gravitate from relationship with parents to increased relationship with peers, and from homogenous relationships to heterogeneous relationships. This cross-sectional pilot was conducted in Ibadan, Nigeria. Respondents were selected via multi-stage sampling from senior secondary classes in two secondary schools in the study area. Information was obtained with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire. Adolescents with no romantic relationships are twice less likely to have sexual intercourse than those involved in romantic relationships (p=0.28), and 2.8 times less likely to have taken alcohol than those involved in romantic relationships (p=0.03). Sexual intercourse and alcohol consumption are on the increase among adolescents, interventions that target life building skills among adolescents should be encouraged to give them skills that help them make wise decisions in relationships.