CONTRIBUTION OF THE FREQUENCY OF COUNSELLING SESSIONS ON REDUCING RISKY BEHAVIOUR AMONG YOUTH ATTENDING YOUTH CENTERS IN IRINGA

Author

Alex Lwiza


Abstract

 The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of the frequency of counselling sessions on reducing risky behaviour among youth attending youth centers in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically, the study assessed how the frequency of counselling sessions contributes to reducing risky behaviour among youth. A mixed-method approach was employed using a convergent parallel research design. Data were collected from 88 youth attending counselling programmes using structured questionnaires and six counsellors using semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS Version 31, while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the frequency of counselling sessions contributed to reducing risky behaviour among youth by improving decision-making, strengthening self-control and increasing awareness of the consequences of risky behaviours. Regular participation in counselling sessions also helped some youth to avoid risky sexual behaviours and manage situations that could lead to harmful behaviour. However, some youth continued to engage in substance use, violence and other risky behaviours despite attending counselling sessions, mainly due to peer influence, family difficulties and negative social environments. The study concludes that regular and frequent counselling sessions contribute to reducing risky behaviour among youth attending youth centers in Iringa Municipality. The study recommends that youth centers strengthen attendance monitoring systems, provide counselling sessions regularly and encourage consistent participation among youth. Counsellors should also follow up youth who continue to engage in risky behaviours despite participating in counselling sessions. Policy makers and youth-service providers should provide adequate support and resources to sustain regular counselling programmes in youth centers. Further studies should examine the long-term contribution of counselling-session frequency to reducing risky behaviour among youth in other settings.



Keywords

Counselling session frequency; risky behaviour; youth; youth centers; counselling participation; Iringa Municipality.



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