Peer influence, substance use, and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents in Makindye Division.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship peer influence, substance use, and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents in Makindye Division. A correlational study design that is quantitative was adopted to establish between the variables of which they were selected randomly. A total of 100 respondents, both male and female participated in the study. Data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), where a Pearson correlation coefficient(r) was used to test the significance of the hypotheses. The study results revealed that there was no significant relationship between peer influence and substance use among adolescents in Makindye Division; was a significant relationship between peer influence and risky sexual behavior among Makindye Division adolescents. Furthermore, results revealed that there was a significant relationship between risky sexual behavior and substance use among adolescents in Makindye Division. Overall, it is important for organizations to ensure that an ambient environment is created for adolescents in Makindye Division, as this is vital for the reduction of possible risky sexual behaviors which may improve their health through undoing morbidity towards work and subsequently yield reduction of any possibilities of peer influence into abusing substances. It is therefore recommended and important to investigate these relationships in future research.