Determinants of risky behaviors in youth: A gender-based study

Background: Gender differences play an important role in risky behaviors such as drug use, of the youth. Despite having a substantial youth population in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region there are limited studies on this issue. Objectives: The present study explores the parental and individual factors related to risky behaviors of boys and girls. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study used a multistage cluster sampling method. The five main areas of Kerman were classified as clusters. Within the clusters, a systematic random sampling was used to select the street, where five houses were examined for eligible candidates. A self-administered questionnaire (created by the author) assessed the 500 candidates (aged 15 - 29 years) on parental styles, level of education, social capital, modern leisure activities, and risky behavior in 2013. Data were analyzed using logistic regression with SPSS 19 (statistical package of social sciences) at a significance level of 5%. Results: Parental styles affecting the risky behaviors of both girls and boys were as follow: neglecting parental styles increased the risk of drug use (OR = 8.63, P = 0.04 and OR = 33.44, P = 0.001 in boys and girls, respectively). In addition, having a stay-at-home mother reduced the risk of drug use (OR = 0.09, P = 0.002) in boys, and reduced the risk of drug use and smoking in girls (OR = 0.34, P = 0.03 and OR = 0.38, P = 0.04, respectively). Also, engaging in modern leisure activities raised the risk of all risky behaviors for boys and girls (eg, alcohol drinking: OR = 1.23, P = 0.000). In boys, higher level of education reduced the risk of drug use (OR = 0.13, P = 0.05), whereas it increased the risk of sexual behaviors (OR = 2.03, P = 0.03). In girls, higher level of education was related to an increase in alcohol use (OR = 2.44, P = 0.05). Conclusions: Parental style could play a different role in conducting risky behaviors among girls and boys. Therefore, appropriate parental styles should be used in bringing up children based on their gender.