Are the Malaysian Adolescents’ Behavior At-Stake?

Abstract

This study explored attributes of at-risk behaviors amongst Malaysian adolescents in secondary school and factors underpinning these behaviors. Clustered random sampling procedure was administered and approximately 738 respondents' questionnaires were finally considered for the final analyses of the data collected. A survey form which comprised demographic variables, types of at-risk behaviors and factors affecting them was pilot-tested and administered. Descriptive statistics (namely mean scores and standard deviations) was employed to describe the demographic variables related to Malaysian adolescents and types of at-risk behaviors prevalent among Malaysian adolescents. Inferential statistics (Anova and t-tests) were administered for comparing gender, age, and location -urban versus rural, family SES differences as regard to the type of atrisk behaviors prevalent. Findings based on the descriptive statistic and inferential statistics indicated that incidences of at-risk behaviors such as substance abuse, alcohol consumptions, suicide ideations and attempts, pre-marital sex, teen pregnancy and abortion, runaways were minimal and not alarming. Findings from this study shed light on the importance of developing intervention strategies which involved all quarters namely; parents, school, society and positive portrayal of adolescents' image and icons via media in our attempt to improve the life quality of adolescents.

Introduction to Spiritual Intelligence for Non-Muslim Students at a Higher Learning Institution

“…delivering da'wah wisely, providing sound advice, and engaging in constructive debates (Abd Zamani et al, 2021). Non-Muslims are drawn to Islam in their pursuit of life's meaning, stemming from observations, research about Islam, and their quest for inner peace.…”

“…Non-Muslims are drawn to Islam in their pursuit of life's meaning, stemming from observations, research about Islam, and their quest for inner peace. Abd Zamani et al (2021) propose that employing a -wise da'wah approach‖ effectively captivates non-Muslims to explore Islam. Meerangani (2019) defines the wise approach to da'wah as one that employs systematic, logical, and truth-based arguments and facts to engage the minds and hearts of non-Muslims, encouraging them to consider and embrace the truth.…”

Voices of Young Mothers on Relational Issues Leading to Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancy and its Protective Measures: A Qualitative Exploration

“…2 However, the real prevalence of premarital teenage pregnancy may be higher as a result of an increasing prevalence of adolescent premarital sexual activity, which is mostly unprotected. [2][3][4][5] Multiple factors have been attributed to premarital sexual activity among teenagers in Malaysia which may lead to pregnancy including the influence of individual, family and peers. School-going teenagers' involvement with high-risk behaviours such as smoking, alcohol drinking and drug use, significantly increase their odds of engaging in premarital sexual activity, whereas having a good family and peer relationships indicated by strong parental connectedness and bonding as well as having close friends and peer support were the protective factors.…”