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Results TERENGGANU GSHS 2012

3.8 Protective Factors

Introduction

Adolescents who live in a social environment which provides meaningful relationships, encourages
self-expression and also provides structure and boundaries, are less likely to initiate sex at a young age,
less likely to experience depression, and less likely to use substances (57). Being liked and accepted
by peers is crucial to young people’s health development, and those who are not socially integrated
are far more likely to exhibit di^culties with their physical and emotional health. Isolation from peers
in adolescence can lead to feelings of loneliness and psychological symptoms Interaction with friends
tends to improve social skills and strengthen the ability to cope with stressful events (58). For most
adolescents, school is the most important setting outside of the family. Adolescents who have a
positive relationship with teachers and who have positive attitudes towards school are less likely to
initiate sexual activity early, less likely to use substances, and less likely to experience depression.
Parental bonding and connection are associated with lower levels of depression and suicidal ideation,
alcohol use, sexual risk behaviours and violence (59).

Findings

The prevalence of truancy among the students in the past 30 days was 35.6% (95% CI:29.78-41.87)
(Table 8.1). Overall, 41.4% (95% CI: 35.53-47.44) reported of having peer support in the past 30 days,
with a signi_cantly higher prevalence among females [51.4% (95% CI: 45.34-57.44)] than males [31.7%
(95% CI: 26.33-37.53)] (Table 8.2). Parental or guardian supervision was reported by 12.5% (95% CI:
9.96-15.55) of the students (Table 8.3) while, parental or guardian connectedness was reported by
33.1% (95% CI: 29.35-37.03) (Table 8.4). About 42.2% (95% CI: 36.98-47.65) reported of parental or
guardian bonding (Table 8.5) and 73.9% (95% CI: 71.02-76.60) of the students reported having
parental or guardian or guardian respect for privacy (Table 8.6).

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