Gender features of awareness and attitudes of adolescents to a healthy lifestyle

Abstract

Introduction. For the formation of the health of children and adolescents, it is essential to study their awareness of the risk factors for health disorders and the formation of stereotypes of a healthy lifestyle. Materials and methods. According to the questionnaire developed by us, “Awareness of adolescents about a healthy lifestyle”, a survey included 245 15-17 year adolescents (133 girls, 112 boys) attending secondary schools in Ivanovo. Results. In self-assessment of awareness, regardless of gender, adolescents highly value their knowledge of a healthy lifestyle. Adolescents often want to learn more about proper nutrition, health risk factors, reproductive health issues. Boys more often than girls consider it unnecessary to adhere to the rules of personal safety, safe reproductive behaviour, full compliance with medical recommendations, admit the possibility of self-medication, go to doctors only in case of illness, violate the principles of a healthy diet and daily routine. It is more difficult for boys than girls to maintain good personal hygiene. Of the negative school factors, girls more often than boys note high pedagogical loads difficulties in relationships with classmates and teachers. They often believe that they need to spend less time at the computer, observe the daily routine, spend enough time to sleep and rest in the fresh air, eat right. That is, they are more responsible and self-critical. Girls more often emphasize their independence in matters of a healthy lifestyle. They believe that for this, they need their conviction and time. Limitations. The study has age (15-17 year teenagers), regional (Ivanovo) and educational (students of secondary educational institutions) restrictions. Conclusion. The revealed gender characteristics of awareness and attitude of adolescents to healthy lifestyle make it necessary to take them into account when drawing up programs to improve adolescents’ knowledge. More attention should be paid to safety issues for boys, and for girls, psychological issues should be included.