An Analysis of Family Dynamics on High School Adolescent Risky Behaviors in Ghana

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between family dynamics and student engagement in consumption of alcohol, smoking of cigarettes, and use of illicit drugs in Ghana, West Africa. Adolescents who reported that their parents consumed alcohol were more likely to do likewise. Parental consumption of alcohol increased the adolescent probability of doing the same irrespective of the gender. Adolescence is a formative period during which health risk behaviors may be learned and solidified. Policies and subsequent interventions to address health risk behaviors should not be limited to school setting. Parental engagement and monitoring outside of school significantly mediates the extent to which students engage in health risk behaviors.