Understanding causes of multiple risk behaviors in thai male adolescents from multidimensional perspectives: A qualitative study

Abstract

© 2020, Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council. All rights reserved. Multiple risk behaviors are of special concern worldwide and in Thailand. They have increased dramatically among male adolescents. Interestingly, many studies have highlighted only a single risk behavior without considering the importance of mutual relationship of this with other behaviors, and also have not included multiple perspectives from male adolescents, their parents and teachers. This qualitative descriptive study therefore aimed to explore the culturally-related factors causing multiple risk behaviors of Thai adolescents from different perspectives. Eleven focus groups comprising six groups of 25 male students with multiple risk behaviors, three groups of 16 parents, and two groups of ten teachers were held in a secondary school in eastern Bangkok. The data were analyzed by content analysis. The findings indicated the presence of three related themes: Individual issues including knowledge on risk behaviors prevention, attitude, self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and time management; Family issues including family relationships and parental monitoring; and Environmental issues referring to two components, friends and school. Friend issues were pressure and motivation, whereas school issues related to regulation, atmosphere, and school as an unsafe place. The findings suggest that preventive intervention programs should address the influences at the individual level, as well as the contextual level. Nurses and other health professionals should understand the uniqueness of adolescents and their needs in order to reduce risk opportunities. Planning to reduce multiple risk behaviors within family and schools should be supported and encouraged among male adolescents and their families.