Citation

Kohli A, Remy MM, Binkurhorhwa AK, Mitima CM, Mirindi AB, Mwinja NB, Banyewesize JH, Ntakwinja GM, Perrin NA, Glass N. Glob. Public Health 2018; 13(9): 1241-1253.

Affiliation

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing , Baltimore , MD , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/17441692.2017.1317009

PMID

28443367

Abstract

This qualitative study explores and describes adolescent risk behaviours, specifically consumption of alcohol and use of violence; the perceived consequences of these behaviours on future well-being and relationships; and collaboratively identifies the essential components of a prevention intervention for risk behaviours (alcohol use, violence) among young adolescents while strengthening the protective individual and relationship factors in post-conflict Democratic Republic of Congo. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 male and female youth, 20 parents/guardians and 20 stakeholders in three rural villages of South Kivu Province. Trained interviewers conducted interviews and participated in daily debriefing. Descriptive qualitative analysis was used to analyse the data. Youth use of violence and alcohol was associated with a range of factors including peer influence, parent behaviours, school enrolment and poverty. The consequences of risk behaviour include damaged family and social bonds, reduced economic and educational productivity and promise. Community-based, multilevel prevention interventions that promote protective factors and reduce youth exposure and vulnerability to risk factors may have immediate and long-term impact on youth health and behaviour. Such a programme could engage youth, adults and local stakeholders in a range of social, educational and economic activities.

Language: en

Keywords

Democratic Republic of Congo; Primary prevention; post-conflict; risk behaviour; young adolescents