Citation

Gupta M, Tripathy JP. Indian J. Public Health Dev. 2015; 6(1): 11-15.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, R. K. Sharma)

DOI

10.5958/0976-5506.2015.00003.0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The psychosocial challenges that mark the adolescence period make them quite susceptible to undesirable exposures raising health and safety concerns. Thus the psychosocial problems of this dynamic group need to be explored thoroughly.

METHODology: A cross sectional study was conducted among students of class eighth to tenth class (10-12 years) studying in a government high school in Chandigarh. Adolescents were selected by systematic random sampling and the Younger Adolescent Questionnaire (American Medical Association) was administered to obtain information about personal details, medical history, family information, specific health and psychological issues.

RESULTS: Height (46%) was the most common specific health issue on which adolescents were worried about followed by weight (37%) and skin (27%). About 36% of adolescents got violent on getting angry, 54% were worried about family problems, 26% had thought of seriously running away from home, and 14% had suicidal tendencies. Only about 12% adolescents could discuss issues related to reproductive and sexual health like sex, drugs and alcohol with their parents.

CONCLUSION: Psychosocial problems were quite prevalent among the young adolescents in Chandigarh. Family problems, personal appearance related problems were more as compared to substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices. Suicidal tendencies were alarmingly high. © 2015, Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; human; Psychosocial problems; child; India; Adolescents; reproductive health; prevalence; drug use; suicide attempt; sexual health; substance abuse; alcohol consumption; emotion; medical society; cross-sectional study; psychosocial disorder; body weight; Article; body height; skin; medical history; high school student; angry; Chandigarh; sexual practice