Self Esteem among Adolescents in Nigerian Secondary Schools: A Neglected Issue.
Loading...
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background: Self esteem among adolescents is a neglected issue in pediatrics, especially in this
part of the world. Females ages fourteen to seventeen seemed to have positive self-esteem and so
do the males but self esteem is low at middle ages. Females tend to have a low self esteem than
males
Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the pattern of self esteem among
adolescents and associated factors. Methods: The study was carried out among adolescents attending secondary schools from two
cities; (Enugu and Abakiliki located in south eastern part of Nigeria) within age range of 10-19 yr. A
structured self administered questionnaire developed from self esteem scores was used for data
collection.
Pearson’s chi-square was used to test for relationship between categorical variables while student
t- test was used to test significant relationship between continuous variables. Test of significance
was set at p<0.5.
Results: The self esteem questionnaire used was classified into two major questions with several
sub questions. The first group is about self confidence, self fulfillment and self worth and
confidence, the second group include depression, hopelessness, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts.
We enrolled 507 adolescents in this study. The mean age of all participants was 16.3 (1.2) yr. Total
mean self esteem score for all respondents is 15.77±2.769. Low self esteem was observed in 3.6%
of the respondents with 4.3% of females and 2.5% of Males. Low self esteem is mostly seen in
older adolescents aged 18-19 (44%) and rare among (adolescents less than 11 yr (0%). Low self
esteem was more common among the female respondents in all the age ranges.
Conclusion: Self esteem is high among adolescents, though this is may be overemphasized as
more research is needed in this area.
Description
Keywords
Self esteem, adolescents, secondary schools
Citation
Chinawa Josephat M, Obu Herbert A, Manyike Pius C, Obi Ikechukwu E, Isreal Odetunde O, Chinawa Awoere T.Self Esteem among Adolescents in Nigerian Secondary Schools: A Neglected Issue. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research. 2015; 5(1): 98-106.