Adolescence: The Dilemma of Transition
Keywords:
College Adolescents, Physical, Psycho-social, Spiritual, Meerut, IndiaAbstract
Introduction: Generally Adolescence group is considered healthy and has not been given adequate attention in health programs. Not only are needs of the adolescents related to their physical, but also to their emotional and psycho-social development. This study was conducted to study the epidemiological correlates of physical, psycho-social & spiritual attributes & their risk behaviors among adolescents in urban Meerut city of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 adolescents from two colleges of Meerut.
Results: The study on physical dimension depicted that very few (26.6%) adolescents exercised daily, approximately two-thirds consumed fruits and vegetables routinely, and 95% missed meals whereas 98% showed dependency on fast foods. The personal dimension highlighted that a greater proportion (88.5%) were aware about dangers of unsafe sex but only 26.8% believed it to be a route for HIV/AIDS transmission. The spiritual dimension showed that 77% adolescents prayed regularly. The social dimension depicted that 58% adolescents were given importance in family decisions. It also showed that one-third resorted to drinking under stress.
Conclusions: Current research indicates a need for early intervention, rather than dismiss these as a transitory experience. School & college authorities should take monthly sessions on the issues related to adolescence with the parents. The dismal picture of HIV awareness should be addressed through intensive HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns &IEC activities.
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