Family structure, functioning and well-being of adolescents in secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti metropolis- A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: Adolescence is a phase of upheaval and strain that affects overall well-being.  Family factors are believed to significantly influence the well-being of adolescents.  This study assessed the family structure and functioning of adolescents in school and their association with well-being.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to collect data from 435 adolescents in secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti, who were selected randomly. A structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Family Assessment Device (FAD) and adolescent well-being scale was used for data collection. Descriptive data were analysed using frequency, percentage, and median scores, while inferential data were analysed using regression. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05

Results: Results showed that the Majority (78.2%) of school adolescents were from two-parent families. More than half (57.5%) of school adolescents had low levels of family functioning patterns, while approximately 1/3rd (33.6%) had poor well-being. There was a significant association between adolescent well-being and family functioning patterns (OR = 1.31, CI =95%, p = 0.033)

Conclusion: Two-parent family structure was most prevalent among school adolescents. A remarkable number of adolescents experience poor family functioning and well-being, with a significant association between the two variables.  Poor family functioning and well-being among adolescents may culminate in poor physical and mental health.  School health nurses should pay attention to interventions that can improve family functioning among families of school adolescents.