STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE ABOUT RASHTRIYA KISHOR SWASTHYA KARYAKRAM (RKSK) AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING HEALTH CENTRE IN DELHI.

Abstract

Background: Adolescents are susceptible to several preventable and treatable health problems like nutritional disorders, substance abuse, mental health concerns, early and unintended pregnancy, unsafe sex, injuries and violence. To ensure holistic development of the adolescent population, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) programme. This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) among adolescents attending the health centre in Delhi. Methods: Acrosssectional study conducted among 100 adolescents belonging to age group of 10-19 years, who were attending the urban and rural health training centres in Delhi. Data was collected with the help of the predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Data was collected regarding socio-demographic details and knowledge regarding different adolescent health services provided under the programme. Results: Out of 100 adolescents, 18.0 % participants had adequate knowledge about RKSK. Knowledge about IFA supplementation, transmission and prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection and common mental health problems was 52.0%,36.0% and 24.0% respectively. Knowledge regarding adverse effects and consequences of tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse and risk factors for non-communicable diseases was 46.0% and 42.0% respectively. 12.0% participants had awareness about Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics and 8.0% had registered themselves at these clinics. 44.0% participants had knowledge about Adolescent Health Days. 71.4% of adolescent girls had awareness regarding good menstrual hygiene. Conclusions: The knowledge regarding RKSK programme is low amongst the adolescents Awareness need to be spread regarding the various services provided under the programme through social media, local newspapers and television channels so that more number of adolescents avail these services