Health-Seeking Behavior, Health-Risk Awareness and Emotional Wellbeing among Adolescents in Makurdi metropolis
Abstract
This study investigated health-seeking behavior, health-risk awareness and emotional wellbeing among adolescents in Makurdi metropolis. Cross-sectional survey design was used where 274 adolescents in Makurdi metropolis comprising of 126(45.9%) males and 148 (54.1%) females were used. Their ages ranged from 12-22years with a mean age of 17.54years (SD=3.78). Convenience sampling was used for drawing the sample while Health Seeking Behaviour Scale, Health Risk Attitude Scale and the Emotional Wellbeing scale were used for data collection. Simple Linear regression and Standard Multiple Regression were used to test the study hypotheses. Results indicated that there was a significant influence of health seeking behaviour on emotional wellbeing among adolescents. In addition, there was a significant influence of health risk awareness on emotional wellbeing among adolescents. Lastly, there was a significant influence of health seeking behaviour and health risk awareness on emotional wellbeing among adolescents. It was recommended that, that adolescents should make efforts to seek the use of health services immediately they notice signs and symptoms of any ailments. This will ensure that they are physically and emotionally stable. Secondly, adolescents should be given education on some of the major diseases, lifestyles and youthful behaviours that may affect their health negatively. This will enlighten them on the benefits and risks associated with their lifestyles.
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