Extra-curricular activities and youth risky behaviours in South Africa

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between extra-curricular activities and risky sexual and illicit drug use behaviours among youth (12-22 years old) in South Africa. The study uses nationally representative data. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models are used. Results show that a high percentage of youth engage in at least one type of risky sexual behaviour (33.84%) and have used at least one type of illicit substance (7.79%). Sports (about 60%) and youth groups (about 15%) are the most popular forms extra-curricular activities. Further, the odds of risky sexual behaviour are higher for youth who participate in sports (OR = 1.29, p-value < .05) and youth groups (OR = 1.58, p-value < .05). While youth who engage in other, undefined extra-curricular activities (OR = 2.11, p-value < .05) and sports (OR = 1.03, p-value < .05) have higher odds of illicit drug use. There is need to monitor and evaluate local extra-curricular activities to prevent risky behaviours among youth.