Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Investigating the effect of cognitive‑behavioral educational intervention on the development of female teenagers’ social skills in Khomeini Shahr

. Masoomeh Kazemi; . Maryam Amidi Mazaheri; . Akbar Hasan Zadeh

Volume 12, Issue 10 , November 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Social skills are necessary for teenagers to have good interactions, accept roles, andadapt to conditions in the community. The present study investigated the effect of ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Social skills are necessary for teenagers to have good interactions, accept roles, andadapt to conditions in the community. The present study investigated the effect of cognitive‑behavioraleducational intervention on students’ social skills.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was completed on 102 female studentsin Khomeini Shahr, Isfahan. Fifty‑seven students participated in the online cognitive‑behavioraleducational program of social skills for five sessions, and 57 students were assigned to the controlgroup. The data from the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (for subjects aged4–18 years old) were collected before and 1 month after the interventional program. The data wereanalyzed using SPSS 25, independent t‑test, Mann–Whitney test, and Chi‑squared test.RESULTS: The independent t‑test showed that before the intervention, the total mean score ofsocial skills and its variables were not significantly different between the intervention and controlgroups (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the total mean score of social skills and thevariables of appropriate communication skills, relationship with peers, and impulsive behaviors in theintervention group was significantly more than the control group, but the mean scores of antisocialand arrogant behaviors (haughtiness) were not significantly different between the two times in theintervention and control groups.CONCLUSIONS: The results show that participation in educational intervention significantly increasedstudent’s social skills development; it is suggested to incorporate cognitive‑behavioral interventionin educational programs for adolescents.

---

• View Article
• PDF 517.76 K

Investigation of correlation between Internet addiction and parent–child relationship in girls’ adolescence in the COVID‑19 pandemic

. Mahboobeh Ahmadian; . Mahboobeh Namnabati; . Fatemeh Joonbakhsh

Volume 12, Issue 9 , October 2022, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Today, the increasing process with the using internet is a kind of disease amongadolescents, especially in the COVID‑19 pandemic. The activities such as learning–educationalprocess ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Today, the increasing process with the using internet is a kind of disease amongadolescents, especially in the COVID‑19 pandemic. The activities such as learning–educationalprocess and online games will become one of the problems for families. This study aimed todetermine the relationship between internet addiction and parent–child relationships in high schoolgirls in Isfahan.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive‑correlational study was conducted in girls’ high schoolin Isfahan, Iran. One hundred and sixty students and one of their parents had participated throughcluster sampling method. They filled out the Young Internet Addiction Questionnaire and the Fineet al.’s Child‑Parent Questionnaire (PCRS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical testsand Pearson correlation test. The significance level of the data was considered 0.05.RESULTS: The mean score (standard deviation) of internet addiction was 52.15 (5.67). 62.5% of theparticipants were not addicted to the use of the nternet. The mean score of the parent–child relationshipwas 118.24 (85.35). The results of the Pearson correlation test show that there is a significant negativecorrelation between parent–child relationships and Internet addiction in adolescent girls (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, in the girl high school students who have a stronger parent–childrelationship, the rate of Internet dependence is lower. Due to the current situation of the COVID‑19pandemic in terms of Internet addiction and the parent–child relationship, the present study canhelp nurses, teachers, and educational planners to provide a suitable information for appropriateintervention.

---

• View Article
• PDF 443.15 K

Comparison of the effect of face‑to‑face training and telemedicine on self‑care in adolescent pregnant women: A quasi‑experimental study

. Samira Khayat; . Maryam Palizvan; . Ali Navidian; . Hamed Fanaei; . Zahra Pahlavani Sheikhi

Volume 12, Issue 9 , October 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Improving self‑care in adolescent pregnancy leads to improved maternal andneonatal outcomes of pregnancy. However, self‑care in adolescent pregnancy is less than otherwomen. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Improving self‑care in adolescent pregnancy leads to improved maternal andneonatal outcomes of pregnancy. However, self‑care in adolescent pregnancy is less than otherwomen. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of face‑to‑face training and telemedicineon self‑care in adolescent pregnant women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a quasi‑experimental study that was conductedin Zahedan in 2021 and 120 adolescent pregnant women with a gestational age of 15–20 weeksparticipated in it. The sampling was done in multistage, and the samples were divided into three groups:Face‑to‑face training, telemedicine, and control. Face‑to‑face training was presented in five sessionsand the telemedicine group received the similar educational content through the mobile applications.The samples completed a researcher‑made self‑care questionnaire before the intervention and at28 weeks of gestation. SPSS software version 21 was used for the analysis, and data were analyzedby ANOVA, Tukey post hoc, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney tests.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in face‑to‑face and telemedicine training in improvingthe scores of nutritional performance, smoking and narcotics use, personal hygiene, and routinepregnancy care (P > 0.05), but face‑to‑face training caused more improvement in the scores ofsports and physical activity as compared to telemedicine group (P = 0.04). Face‑to‑face trainingand telemedicine training in all domains led to a significant improvement in scores as compared tothe control group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the face‑to‑face training and telemedicinemethods were proper methods for self‑care education in pregnant adolescent women. It isrecommended to use these methods in promoting self‑care in pregnant adolescent women.

---

• View Article
• PDF 536.32 K

Do social phobia and depression go hand in hand? A cross‑sectional study among school‑going adolescents of Northern region of India

. Kezia Gupta; . Jayanti Semwal; . Neha Sharma; . Abhay Srivastava; . Shaili Vyas

Volume 12, Issue 9 , October 2022, , Pages 1-10

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The preeminent mental health conditions, namely social phobia and depressionamong adolescents, usually remain incognito. The transition period from childhood to adulthoodmakes ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The preeminent mental health conditions, namely social phobia and depressionamong adolescents, usually remain incognito. The transition period from childhood to adulthoodmakes adolescents more liable for low amour‑propre, loneliness, and even increases the suicidaltendencies among them. To burgeon the knowledge regarding social phobia and depression amongadolescents, the present study was put forward with the objective to assess the prevalence of socialanxiety disorders (social phobia) and depression among adolescents.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted for 2 months on 600 studentsaged 10–19 years belonging to classes VIII–XII of government and private schools in the Dehradundistrict recruited through multistage random sampling technique. A pre‑tested semi‑structuredquestionnaire having sociodemographic details, validated self‑administered tools, Social PhobiaInventory tool, and Kutchers Adolescent Depression Scale (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.77 and 0.79) wereused. Statistical package for social sciences, version 23 was used for data analysis. Chi‑square test,Fisher exact test, and Pearson correlation analysis were used for analysisRESULTS: Prevalence of social phobia was found to be 37% among school‑going adolescents.Further, 23.7% of the study participants had mild social phobia, while moderate and severe phobiawas seen among 11.5% and 2.3%, respectively. Females had more moderate and severe socialphobia than males. Adolescents of government schools had more moderate affective distress andsomatic distress as compared to adolescents of private schools.CONCLUSION: Social phobia and depression among school‑going adolescents are on the upsurge.The present study shows that social phobia and depression have a strong correlation amongthemselves, which needs to be addressed as expeditiously as possible. Coping strategies and socialskill therapy and programs are pressing priorities for the fulgent future of adolescents.

---

• View Article
• PDF 670.45 K

Investigation of the psychometric properties of children’s somatization inventory in Iranian adolescents

. Sepideh Hoseini; . Mahdi Jafari; . Kaveh Qaderi Bagajan; . Zahra Asl Soleimani; . Meysam Sadeghi; . Shadi Zolfaghari; . Aria Momeni

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of children’ssomatization inventory (CSI‑24) in a sample of Iranian school adolescents.MATERIALS AND ...  Read More BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of children’ssomatization inventory (CSI‑24) in a sample of Iranian school adolescents.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, after translating and back‑translating CSI‑24,comparisons were made with the original version. The study population consisted of 394 schooladolescents. Cronbach’s alpha method was used to examine the reliability of the scale. Furthermore,the correlation of the scale with the Symptom Checklist‑90‑Revised was evaluated to determine itscriterion validity, using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysismethods were applied for construct validity.RESULTS: Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of CSI‑24 showed itshigh reliability and confirmatory factor analysis results show the model’s satisfactory fitting.CONCLUSION: The Persian version of CSI‑24 is a useful self‑report tool for evaluating the physicalcomplaints of Iranian school adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years.

---

• View Article
• PDF 1.02 M

A comparative study of the effect of two educational methods of motivational interviewing and peers on self‑efficacy of female high school students in relation to puberty health

. Sarah Mohamadi; . Narges Alizadeh; . Zahra Motaghi; . Sahar Paryab; . Omid Garkaz

Volume 11, Issue 9 , October 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Adolescents experience many physical and psychological changes duringadolescence. Not paying attention to the issue of girls’ puberty may have a negative impact on ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Adolescents experience many physical and psychological changes duringadolescence. Not paying attention to the issue of girls’ puberty may have a negative impact on theirmental health and self‑efficacy in future. The aim of this study was to compare the two methods ofmotivational interviews and peers on puberty health of female high school students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed semi‑experimental intervention on 334high school students in 2019 through multi‑stage randomization. Data using two demographicquestionnaires and Scherrer self‑efficacy questionnaire in three stages (pre‑test, immediately afterthe test and one month after the test). It was collected that in the motivational interview group, 5training sessions were presented, and in the peer group, only one training session was taught to thepeers and the control group was not trained in any intervention.RESULTS: Immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention, the two intervention groups hadsignificantly better scores in self‑efficacy compared to the control group (P = 0.001). The mean scoreof self‑efficacy in the control group in the three time periods before, immediately, and one monthafter the intervention, respectively (50.75 ± 5.322, 50.45 ± 5.34, 50.45 ± 5.37), in the motivationalinterview group (50.56 ± 5.95, 53.63 ± 5.83, 56.03 ± 6.49) and in the peer group (50.10 ± 5.62,54.40 ± 4.28, 59.19 ± 4.43) was. Moreover, there were significant differences in self‑efficacy scoreswithin and between the groups by time (P < 0.001) in intervention groups.CONCLUSION: This study showed that puberty health education increases students’ self‑efficacy,that correct information should be conveyed by peers and motivational interview, and motivationalinterview is more effective.

---

• View Article
• PDF 557.22 K

Factors contributing to distress among school and college‑going adolescents during COVID‑19 Lockdown: A cross‑sectional study conducted in Sibi Balochistan, Pakistan

. Muhammad Azam Awais; . Muhammad Minhaj Chaudhery; . Muhammad Sarfraz Khan; . Adam Umair Ashraf Butt; . Abdur Rehman Malik; . Muhammad Numair Khan; . Areeb Khalid; . Mohsin Mahmood; . Mohammad Talal Afzal; . Muhammad Haseeb Waseem

Volume 11, Issue 7 , August 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, many countries have implemented nationwidelockdowns. While this leads to a decrease in disease transmission, there is a concurrent increase ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, many countries have implemented nationwidelockdowns. While this leads to a decrease in disease transmission, there is a concurrent increase inthe levels of psychological distress. To estimate the levels of psychological distress in school‑ andcollege‑going adolescents currently under lockdown and to determine the factors associated withthis psychological distress.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study conducted in Army Public School andCollege (APSAC) Sibi, Balochistan province of Pakistan between March and May 2020. Studentsof APSAC Sibi were enrolled in this research. Modified Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Scale, GodinLeisure‑Time Exercise Questionnaire, and Kessler‑10 were used for data acquisition. Chi‑squareand t‑tests and univariate analysis (nonparametric test) were performed using the Statistical Packagefor the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 (IBM, Armonk, US).RESULTS: Out of 225 participants, 57.4% were studying at school. Sixty‑four percent of the participantswere likely to be suffering from psychological distress. There is a significant effect of physical activity,sleep duration, bedtime at night, screen‑time duration, and COVID‑19 positive family member on thelevels of distress. A moderate positive correlation was between psychological distress and bed‑time atnight (rho[223] = 0.328, P < 0.001) and screen time duration (rho[223] = 0.541, P < 0.001). A moderatenegative correlation of physical activity (rho[223] = −0.340, P < 0.001) and a weak negative correlationof sleep duration hours (rho[225] = −0.158, P = 0.018) was found with psychological distress levels.CONCLUSIONS: The COVID‑19 lockdown and pandemic have had a considerable psychologicalimpact on both school‑going and college‑going students, showing increased level of stress. A strongpublic health campaign along with mental and physical and social support programs are the needof the hour.

---

• View Article
• PDF 571.06 K

A study comparing depression, anxiety, and coping styles between high school students attending and not attending coaching class for medical entrance examination

. Krishan Kumar Sharma; . Parth Singh Meena; . Charan Singh Jhilowa; . Shubham Jhanwar; . Jitendra Rohilla; . Pinki Tak; . Mahendra Jain

Volume 11, Issue 7 , August 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Various kinds of stressors and psychological problems have been reported inthe adolescent student population. This study assessed and compared depression, anxiety, andvarious ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Various kinds of stressors and psychological problems have been reported inthe adolescent student population. This study assessed and compared depression, anxiety, andvarious coping styles among high school students attending coaching classes for medical entranceexamination (MEE) and those not.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systemic random sampling technique was used to recruit 400 highschool students with equal number of those attending (Group 1) and those not attending any coachingclass for MEE (Group 2). They underwent screening for depression and anxiety through Patient HealthQuestionnaire‑9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‑item. Coping styles were assessed throughbrief COPE inventory. Screening positive subjects were assessed in detail by a psychiatrist usingICD‑10 (International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision), Diagnostic Criteria for Research (DCR).The severity of depression and anxiety was measured through HAM‑D and HAM‑A, respectively.RESULTS: Depression and anxiety were reported by higher proportion of Group 1 (36%) thanGroup 2 (22%), χ2 (1) = 9.52; P = 0.002. In both the groups, depressive disorder was the mostcommon, followed by generalised anxiety–disorder and mixed anxiety–depression. The severityof depression (HAM‑D score) and anxiety (HAM‑A Score) was significantly more Group 1. “Activecoping” (χ2 = 4.79 P = 0.02) and “Humor”  (χ2 = 30.90, P ≤ 0.01) were more commonly used byhealthy students, while “Religious coping” (χ2 = 37.92 P ≤ 0.01) were the most common amongthose diagnosed with depression/anxiety disorder.CONCLUSION: Higher prevalence of the psychological problems in adolescent school studentspreparing for MEE highlights the importance of aptitude assessment, career counseling, and schoolmental health program before their exposure to the competitive academic atmosphere.

---

• View Article
• PDF 651.9 K

Relationship between health literacy in substance use and alcohol consumption and tobacco use among adolescents, Northeast Thailand

. Suneerat Yangyuen; . Chatchada Mahaweerawat; . Sawan Thitisutthi; . Udomsak Mahaweerawat

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) is an important role‑play in health risk behaviors such asalcohol drinking and smoking. Inadequate HL in substance use (HLSU) is a barrier to reduce ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) is an important role‑play in health risk behaviors such asalcohol drinking and smoking. Inadequate HL in substance use (HLSU) is a barrier to reduce therisk of alcohol and tobacco use. This study aims to investigate the association of HLSU with alcoholconsumption and tobacco use among Thai adolescents. Hence, the strengthening of HL programintervention may applied to reduce substance abuse among Thai adolescents.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross‑sectional study conducted on 1087 universitystudents studying in three universities located in northeastern area with multistage sampling methodsby geographical areas. The data were collected by self‑administered questionnaire. Multiple logisticregression was applied to determine the effect of HLSU of alcohol consumption and tobacco use.RESULTS: Most adolescents were drinkers (60.7%) and about 20.7% were smokers. Approximately40% of them reported as inadequate HLSU. Adolescents with inadequate HLSU and a high level ofpositive alcohol expectancies and smoking outcome expectancies (SOE) were more likely to drinkalcohol and smoke. Conversely, those who had a high level of negative alcohol drinking and SOEwere less likely to consume alcohol and tobacco.CONCLUSION: Adolescents’ alcohol consumption and tobacco use were influenced by HL, henceimproving adolescents’ HLSU could help prevent or reduce the risk of drinking and smoking behaviors.

---

• View Article
• PDF 503.95 K

Psychosocial and stress-related risk factors for abnormal menstrual cycle pattern among adolescent girls: A case-control study

. Nishu Jha; . Ajeet Singh Bhadoria; . Yogesh Bahurupi; . Kanchan Gawande; . Bhavna Jain; . Jaya Chaturvedi; . Surekha Kishore

Volume 10, Issue 11 , November 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Menstruation is a normal physiological process among reproductive age groupfemales. Although some of them show the abnormal menstrual pattern, which is influenced byseveral ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Menstruation is a normal physiological process among reproductive age groupfemales. Although some of them show the abnormal menstrual pattern, which is influenced byseveral factors, including sociodemographic status, psychosocial stress, improper sleep level,etc. The identification of these risk factors associated with abnormal menstrual patterns may permitrisk stratification among adolescent girls. This study was planned to determine various factors whichdepict menstrual cycle pattern among adolescent girls in urban India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A school‑based case–control study was carried out in urban Indiafrom May to December 2019. Urban locality and schools were randomly selected, and data werecollected in two phases. Adolescent girls in the age group of 10–19 years studying in governmentand private (both Hindi medium and English medium) schools of urban India were screened for theabnormal menstrual pattern. Equal numbers of age‑matched controls were also enrolled. Data werecollected with the help of self‑administered predesigned pretested semi‑structured questionnaire.Chi‑square test, Fisher’s exact test, unpaired t‑test, and McNemar tests were used to analyze datausing SPSS version 23.0.RESULTS: A total of 100 cases and 100 age‑matched controls (mean age 14.8 ± 1.5 years) wereincluded in the study, almost half of the cases and controls have normative menarche. Impropersleep patterns increased stress levels, and low education status of mothers show statisticallysignificant (P = 0.047) association with abnormal menstrual patterns.CONCLUSION: More stress, improper sleep levels, and low education status of mothers amongschool‑going adolescent girls were strongly associated with abnormal menstrual patterns with moresymptoms during menstruation.

---

• View Article
• PDF 513.02 K

A cross‑sectional study to investigate the impact of focused group discussion on menstrual hygiene among rural school girls of Southern Haryana, India

. Abhishek Singh; . Vikas Gupta; . Deepika Agrawal; . Pooja Goyal; . Mitasha Singh; . Shveta Lukhmana

Volume 10, Issue 10 , October 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Menstruation is a natural phenomenon among women who experience sheddingof blood for 1–7 days every month which usually starts between age 11 and 14 years and continuesuntil ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Menstruation is a natural phenomenon among women who experience sheddingof blood for 1–7 days every month which usually starts between age 11 and 14 years and continuesuntil menopause at about 51 years of age. It is important to maintain menstrual hygiene, as poorpractices increase vulnerability to reproductive and urinary tract infections. The present study wasconducted with an aim to investigate the impact of focused group discussion (FGD) compared todidactic lectures (DLs) on the menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices.METHODS: The present cross‑sectional study was conducted among 649 school girls during Januaryto August 2019 using a convenience sampling technique. After collecting baseline information usinga pretested, predesigned, standardized questionnaire, the participants in the control and interventiongroups were exposed for the DLs and FGD, respectively, and 1 month after such intervention, thesame questionnaire was again self‑administered by participants. All tests were performed at a 5%level of significance using SPSS (version 22.0).RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of both the groups such as participants’ mean age, meanage of menarche, mother’s literacy status, religion, type of family, and socioeconomic status werecomparable. There was a difference in the knowledge and practice mean score of participants inthe control group for pre‑ and postintervention, which was highly statistically significant (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that menstrual hygiene is far from satisfactory among most ofthe school girls. The DLs and FGD have improved the menstrual hygiene knowledge and practicesamong school girls.

---

• View Article
• PDF 802.23 K

Role of self-efficacy, outcome expectation, and outcome expectancy in promoting oral health behaviors in adolescent girls

. Masoumeh Alidosti; . Elahe Tavassoli

Volume 10, Issue 9 , September 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Oral health is a very important issue for different groups, especially adolescents.Social cognitive theory seeks to describe and promote people’s health behaviors ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Oral health is a very important issue for different groups, especially adolescents.Social cognitive theory seeks to describe and promote people’s health behaviors in a variety of ways.The aim of this study was to determine the role of self‑efficacy, outcome expectation, and outcomeexpectancy in promoting oral health behaviors in adolescent girls in Shahrekord.METHODS: The present study was performed as an intervention in junior high schools inShahrekord (school year: 2018–2019). Using cluster sampling method, a total of eighty adolescentgirls studying in Shahrekord public schools were selected and randomly divided into two groups ofintervention and control. A researcher‑made questionnaire was used to collect data on demographicvariables, outcome expectation, and outcome expectancy constructs. In addition, a checklist wasused to assess the status of oral health among the participants. Education for the experimental groupwas held in four sessions, each lasting 50–60 min. The data required for the study were collected inthree stages: before the intervention, immediately after, and 2 months after the intervention. UsingSPSS statistical software version 18, the collected data were analyzed through paired t‑test andanalysis of variance via repeating the observations.RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographicvariables. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups interms of the mean scores of outcome expectation, outcome expectancy, and self‑efficacy; however,after the intervention, there was an increase in the scores of the experimental group (P < 0.001). Twomonths after training, there was also a significant increase in the mean score of oral health behaviorin the experimental group (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Training based on perceived self‑efficacy, outcome expectation, and outcomeexpectancy played an important role in creating the desired attitude toward oral health‑promotingbehavior among students.

---

• View Article
• PDF 502.15 K

Prevalence of body image concern among schoolgirls aged 12–17 years in Iran

. Parastoo Baharvand; . Farideh Malekshahi; . Pariya Mahdiyan

Volume 10, Issue 8 , August 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND/AIM: Adolescent girls’ concerns about their body images can negatively affect theirsocial and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ...  Read More BACKGROUND/AIM: Adolescent girls’ concerns about their body images can negatively affect theirsocial and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of body imageconcern (BIC) in adolescent schoolgirls in Iran and its risk factors.PATIENTS AND METHODS: This epidemiological study with cross‑sectional design was conductedin 2018 on 396 middle schoolgirls aged 12–17 years (mean age = 14 years) living in Khorramabad,Iran. For screening BIC, the Persian version of BIC inventory (BICI) was used. Their birth order,school grade, school type, father’s education, and household income were also recorded. Collecteddata were analyzed in SPSS v. 18 software using descriptive statistics and Chi‑square test.RESULTS: Of 396 girls, 106 (26.8%) had BIC, 89 (84%) reported moderate BIC, and 17 (16%)severe BIC. Their mean BICI score was 40.84 ± 12.93 (out of 42). Most of them reported to spenda significant amount of time checking their appearance in the mirror (n = 81, 20.5%) and examiningflaws in their appearance (n = 74, 18.7%). A few of them were embarrassed to leave the housebecause of the appearance and avoided from looking at the appearance in the mirror (n = 6, 1.5%).There was no significant difference in BIC severity in terms of birth order, school grade, school type,father’s education, and household income factors (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BIC among schoolgirls in Iran is high. Appropriate therapeuticinterventions should be carried out to improve their quality of life, mental health, and self‑esteem toreduce the BIC prevalence.

---

• View Article
• PDF 484.02 K

Effectiveness of school‑based mental health programs on mental health among adolescents

. Fariba Shahraki‑Sanavi; . Alireza Ansari‑Moghaddam; . Mahdi Mohammadi; . Nour‑Mohammad Bakhshani; . Hamid Salehiniya

Volume 10, Issue 6 , June 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of school‑based interventions on mental health amongadolescents in the southeast of Iran.METHODS: This interventional quasi‑experimental ...  Read More AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of school‑based interventions on mental health amongadolescents in the southeast of Iran.METHODS: This interventional quasi‑experimental study included a total of 420 adolescent girlsstudying 10th grade in the public schools of Zahedan, Iran. Data were collected using general healthquestionnaire‑28 questionnaire. After pretest, multidimensional interventions (individual education,group education, individual consultations, modern education, and parents’ educational packages)were given to the intervention group from October 2015 to June 2016. After a 3‑month interval, theposttest was conducted in October 2016. Data were analyzed by covariance analysis.RESULTS: There was a significant statistical difference between the changes in the mentalhealth scores after the intervention among the two study groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, after theintervention, moderate‑to‑severe mental health problems decreased considerably among the studentsin the intervention group compared to controls. The greatest impact was on individual psychologicalcounseling.CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that by applying group training and individualcounseling in the schools improves mental health. Therefore, identifying student problems andparent–teacher cooperation as well as consulting with specialist counselors can be effective inproviding practical and effective solutions in this regard. Therefore, findings suggest that prioritizingmental health and taking action on the field are of utmost importance.

---

• View Article
• PDF 523.14 K

Sexual health education issues (challenges) for adolescent boys in Iran: A qualitative study

. Fariba Askari; . Khadigeh Mirzaiinajmabadi; . Mahmood Saeedy Rezvani; . Seyyed Mohsen Asgharinekah

Volume 10, Issue 2 , February 2020, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sexual health education, especially in adolescents, faces excess challenges inmany cultures. Iranian adolescents, especially boys, have many educational needs in the field ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Sexual health education, especially in adolescents, faces excess challenges inmany cultures. Iranian adolescents, especially boys, have many educational needs in the field ofsexual health that have not been met due to various obstacles. The main purpose of this qualitativestudy was to explore the challenges of sexual health education for Iranian adolescent boys.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative content analysis study was conducted throughindividual semi‑structured in‑depth interviews from 45 participants (20 adolescents and 25 keyadults). Data were analyzed using inductive conventional content analysis based on the Graneheimand Lundman’s approach via MAXQDA software (version 2010) by VERBI GmbH Company, Berlin,Germany.RESULTS: In total, 2 categories and 11 subcategories emerged; including, “extrapersonal barriersto sexual health education for adolescent boys” containing seven subcategories of lack of clearpolicies, family inadequacy, social barriers, cultural heterogeneity, school inadequacy, cyber threats,and educational process inadequacy concerning adolescent sexual health education as well as“intrapersonal barriers to sexual health education for adolescent boys” comprised four subcategoriesof uncontrolled emotions of adolescence, adolescent rebellion, information and communicationweaknesses, and adolescents’ concerns about being judged by others.CONCLUSION: The findings clarify some barriers to sexual health education for adolescent boys.Therefore, it was recommended to develop community‑based educational programs to changeattitudes of families and society toward addressing the challenges of providing sexual healtheducation to adolescent boys. Moreover, it was suggested to utilize an educational program specificto adolescent boys, tailored to the Iranian culture, using the potential of religion.

---

• View Article
• PDF 503.06 K

Knowledge, attitudes, and coping strategies regarding pubertal changes among adolescent girls: Risks and compliances for health promotion in puberty

. Malihe Farid; . Zahra Amirkhanzadeh Barandouzi; . Nasimeh Setayesh Valipour

Volume 9, Issue 9 , September 2019, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls experience physical, psychological, and social changes duringpuberty. Lack of sufficient information, skills, and readiness to overcome this stressful situation ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls experience physical, psychological, and social changes duringpuberty. Lack of sufficient information, skills, and readiness to overcome this stressful situation makethem vulnerable. The present study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and strategyused for coping with puberty crises of female secondary school students in Karaj, Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five‑hundred and seventy female secondary school students fromKaraj, Iran participated in this cross‑sectional study. Knowledge, attitudes, and coping strategies ofadolescents about puberty were evaluated using various questionnaires. The obtained data wereanalyzed using Chi‑square, Fisher’s exact, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Spearman tests.RESULTS: The average age of participants was 15.28 ± 1.58 years old. About 85.1% of theparticipants had high knowledge about puberty and 66.7% had a good attitude toward it. Nearly, 54.2%of the girls used the avoidance‑oriented coping strategy. There was no significant relationship betweenknowledge and attitude regarding selective strategies to cope with stressful situations in puberty.CONCLUSION: According to the results, continuous training in secondary schools is necessary toimprove adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes toward puberty. Moreover, more training is requiredto change the dominant avoidance‑oriented coping strategy to a task‑oriented approach, especiallyat the first‑grade level in secondary school.

---

• View Article
• PDF 485 K

Can parents’ educational level and occupation affect perceived parental support and metabolic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes?

. Parastoo Baharvand; . Maryam Hormozi

Volume 9, Issue 1 , January 2019, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Abstract:BACKGROUND/AIM: Parents have an important role to play in supporting adolescents with type 1diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Their education and occupation are important factors for ...  Read More Abstract:BACKGROUND/AIM: Parents have an important role to play in supporting adolescents with type 1diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Their education and occupation are important factors for the managementof this disease. This study aimed to investigate the parental support that Iranian adolescents withT1DM experience and to examine the effect of parents’ education and occupation on adolescents’perceived the parental support and metabolic control.METHODS: This is a cross‑sectional survey. The participants were 98 adolescents (aged 11–18 years)with T1DM referred to Endocrinology Clinics of Shahid Rahimi and Shahid Madani hospitals inKhorramabad, Iran, in 2016. For evaluating the adolescents’ perceptions of parental support, thefamily version of Diabetes Social Support Questionnaire was employed. It measures in five diabeticcare areas (insulin administration, blood testing, meal planning, exercise, and emotional support).Data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 software using descriptive statistics and inferential testsincluding Pearson correlation test, ANOVA, and independent t‑test.RESULTS: The parents’ educational level had a significant relationship with adolescents’ perceivedparental support and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level (P < 0.05). Occupation of father had no significantinfluence on his supportive behavior and HbA1c level in adolescents, but mother’s occupationsignificantly influenced them (P < 0.05). In adolescents with higher perceived parental support, themean HbA1c was lower.CONCLUSIONS: Parents with higher educational level can improve the metabolic control and providebetter meal planning in adolescents with T1DM.

---

• View Article
• PDF 558.04 K

The relationship between media literacy and psychological well‑being in adolescent girls in Semirom city

. Esmat Bahramian; . Maryam Amidi Mazaheri; . Akbar Hasanzadeh

Volume 8, Issue 11 , November 2018, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  CONTEXT: In recent years, the media have had very massive effects on individuals, especiallychildren and adolescents. Hence, they should be able to use media rationally also be able ...  Read More CONTEXT: In recent years, the media have had very massive effects on individuals, especiallychildren and adolescents. Hence, they should be able to use media rationally also be able to createdigital, multimedia texts, and attain media literacy. Media literacy is a skill based on understandingand gives the audience the opportunity to use the media appropriately and critically.AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between media literacy and mentalpsychology of high school students in Semirom city.SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This correlational study was conducted with the participation of 139adolescent girls selected using multi‑stage random sampling, in Semirom city, Isfahan province,the Central of Iran, in 2017.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were measured using researcher‑made media literacyquestionnaire, psychological well‑being Scales of Ryff.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptivestatistics (Pearson correlations) were used. The statistical significant level was set as 0.05.RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between family economic situation, parentaleducation, and media literacy score. Media literacy was significantly correlated with total psychologicalwell‑being (r = 0.165, P <   0.05), personal growth subscale (r = 0.216, P < 0.05), and self‑acceptancesubscale (r = 0.218, P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Considering the importance of psychological well‑being in adolescents’ life, thedesign of educational interventions to increase media literacy is recommended.

---

• View Article
• PDF 409.42 K

Effect of educational intervention program for parents on adolescents’nutritional behaviors in Isfahan in 2016

. Fatemeh Mokhtari; . Ashraf Kazemi; . Soheila Ehsanpour

Volume 7, Issue 6 , December 2017, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Family participation is an important element on nutritional education especiallyfor students. Parents have a key role in instilling and understanding healthy eating habits, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Family participation is an important element on nutritional education especiallyfor students. Parents have a key role in instilling and understanding healthy eating habits, but yetthe use of family participation strategies in the nutrition education was low. The aim of this studyis determining the effect of parental educational intervention program for parents on adolescents’nutritional behaviors in Isfahan, Iran in 2016.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a kind of field trial that conducted on 63 girl teenagersfrom junior high schools of Isfahan in 2016 that were randomly divided into two groups of interventionand control. The data collection tool which was a researcher made questionnaire was completedin both groups before and 1 month after the intervention. The intervention included three trainingsessions for parents and giving educational compact disc and forwarding SMS. To analysis of dataindependent t‑test and paired t‑test were used.RESULTS: Paired t‑test showed that in intervention group the average score of fruit (P = 0.03) andin control group the average score of vegetables (P < 0.05) were significant statistical difference, butin other aspects of nutritional behaviors was not a significant difference. Independent t‑test showedthat after intervention, mean scores nutritional behavior of adolescent girls in both groups had nosignificant differences.CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was in the nutritional behaviors before and after theintervention. Hence, just educating the parents is not enough for achieving appropriate nutritionalbehaviors in the adolescents.

---

• View Article
• PDF 430.97 K

Perceived health discomfort among adolescent girls and related factors in an urban area, South India

. Shabnam Omidvar; . Afsaneh Bakhtiari; . Mojgan Firouzbakht; . Fatemeh Nasiri Amir; . Khyrunnisa Begum

Volume 7, Issue 5 , September and October 2017, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is a period of life that is a bridge between childhood and adulthood.India has the world’s largest adolescent girl’s population, and adolescent ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is a period of life that is a bridge between childhood and adulthood.India has the world’s largest adolescent girl’s population, and adolescent girls are an importantvulnerable group of population. Perceived health is a predictor of morbidity and mortality in adultsand has been an important marker of the health status in population health studies for decades. Theaim of the study was to describe adolescent’s perception of health and association between somefactors such as nutrition status, socioeconomic status (SES), and health status. As their perceptionof health discomfort affects their health behavior and self‑care, therefore, their health status is animportant matter to discuss.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted in urban areas from a majorcity in South India. Six hundred and fifty adolescent female students aged 10–19 years formed thestudy population. Standardized self‑reporting questionnaires were used to obtain relevant dataregarding demographic features, SES, and health status. BMI calculated for each individual. Thedata were analyzed using SPSS version 16.RESULTS: About 83.3% of participants ranked their health status as good to excellent. A majorityof the girls had one or more problems related to their menstrual cycles. The most common occurringproblem was headache (45.3%). 47.8% of participants exhibited symptoms of mild insomnia.Strong significant association between nutritional status and SES was found. Higher percentage ofundernourished adolescents belonged to low SES.CONCLUSION: Adolescents are expected to enjoy good health, but this does not seem to be the casein the developing countries like India, where poverty, malnutrition, and repeated infection are rampant.Majority of the problems such as healthy nutrition and self‑care can be solved by community‑basedprograms, health education, and food fortification.

---

• View Article
• PDF 435.73 K

Are obese adolescents more depressed?

. Hamidreza Roohafza; . Roya Kelishadi; . Masoumeh Sadeghi; . Mahin Hashemipour; . Ali Pourmoghaddas; . Azam Khani

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, , Pages 1-4

Abstract

  Introduction: Obesity is a growing problem in all countries which leads to various physical,psychological, and social problems. The present study aimed to assess depressionin children ...  Read More Introduction: Obesity is a growing problem in all countries which leads to various physical,psychological, and social problems. The present study aimed to assess depressionin children and adolescents aged 10-18-year old compared with the control group.Materials and Methods: In a case-control study, from among the 10- to 18-year-old studentsof the five education districts of Isfahan, 100 people (50 girls and 50 boys) were selected asobese children with the Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 95th percentile for their ageand gender and 100 others (50 girls and 50 boys) as the control group with the BMI of 5th to85th percentile. The case and control groups were matched for age, gender, and socio-economicstatus. After calculating BMI based on weight (kg)/height2 (meter), subjects were interviewedbased on DSM IV criteria to diagnose clinical depression. The severity of children’s depressionwas measured using standardized questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the case groupwas 12.2 ± 1.86-years old and that of the control group 13.06 ± 2.25. They were, respectively,diagnosed with depression of 7% and 6%. The mean depression score of the case groupwas 11.7 ± 5.3 and that of the control group was 10.6 ± 6.03 with no statistical significance.Discussion: Given our findings, the Jolly fat hypothesis applies to the case group. It seemsthat health policy-makers need to make intervention plans to change behavior; attitude, skill,and knowledge (BASK) of the public toward obesity and its long-term side-effects.

---

• View Article
• PDF 742.07 K

The relationship between computer games and quality of life in adolescents

. Nayereh Kasiri Dolatabadi; . Ahmad Ali Eslami; . Firooze Mostafavi; . Akbar Hassanzade; . Azam Moradi

Volume 3, Issue 4 , April 2013, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: Term of doing computer games among teenagers is growing rapidly. This popularphenomenon can cause physical and psychosocial issues in them. Therefore, this study examinedthe ...  Read More Background: Term of doing computer games among teenagers is growing rapidly. This popularphenomenon can cause physical and psychosocial issues in them. Therefore, this study examinedthe relationship between computer games and quality of life domains in adolescents aging 12-15 years. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study using the 2-stage stratified clustersampling method, 444 male and female students in Borkhar were selected. The data collectiontool consisted of 1) World Health Organization Quality Of Life – BREF questionnaire and 2)personal information questionnaire. The data were analyzed by Pearson correlation, Spearmancorrelation, chi-square, independent t-tests and analysis of covariance. Findings: The total meanscore of quality of life in students was 67.11±13.34. The results showed a significant relationshipbetween the age of starting to play games and the overall quality of life score and its fourdomains(range r=–0.13 to –0.18). The mean of overall quality of life score in computer game users was68.27±13.03 while it was 64.81±13.69 among those who did not play computer games and thedifference was significant (P=0.01). There were significant differences in environmental and mentalhealth domains between the two groups (P<0.05). However, there was no significant relationshipbetween BMI with the time spent and the type of computer games. Conclusion:Playing computergames for a short time under parental supervision can have positive effects on quality of life inadolescents. However, spending long hours for playing computer games may have negative longterm effects.Conclusion: Doing computer games for a short time under parental supervision canhave positive effects on quality of life in adolescents. However, spending long hours for playingcomputer games may have negative long-term effects.

---

• View Article
• PDF 3.69 M