Adolescent Attitudes Research Articles

An exploratory cross-sectional study on Mental health literacy of Spanish adolescents

BackgroundMental health literacy (MHL) is especially important for young people, but comprehensive studies on MHL in adolescents are limited, with no nationwide studies in Spain. This research aims to study MHL among Spanish adolescents and its relationship with sociodemographic factors.MethodsAn exploratory study is carried out using stratified random sampling in Spanish adolescents (N = 1000), aged 12–16 years and balanced in terms of gender, age and territorial distribution. Data collection took place in October and November 2023 through online surveys using the CAWI methodology. Sociodemographic variables, contact with mental health and the Spanish version of the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire (MHLq-E), a self-administered instrument of 32 Likert-type items (1–5) that assesses the dimensions of help-seeking skills, knowledge about causes and symptoms, and stigma, were evaluated. Descriptive and multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) were conducted.ResultsIn general, adequate levels of literacy were observed, although some aspects related to help-seeking towards teachers, stigmatising attitudes towards people of low economic status and knowledge of severe mental health problems could be improved. The results show contact with previous mental health problems as a key variable for stigma and knowledge about symptomatology together with age. Likewise, gender and family educational level were found to be related to the ability to seek professional help.ConclusionThis study provides information on levels of MHL among Spanish adolescents and highlights significant socio-demographic variables. These findings pave the way for interventions aimed at improving adolescents' understanding, attitudes and skills to manage mental health problems, making possible to adapt content and focus on specific groups, thus increasing its effectiveness.

The Effect of Health Promotion Video Media on Adolescents Knowledge and Attitude In Safety Riding In Bandung City

The Effect of Health Promotion Video Media on Adolescents Knowledge and Attitude In Safety Riding In Bandung City

Knowledge and Attitudes of Female Adolescents on the Causes, Effects and Prevention of Vaginal Candidiasis in the Adenta Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Introduction: Among every four women, at least, three of them experience vaginal candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. People with dysfunctional immune system such as the aged, very young children, altered pH and sugar content in vaginal secretions as a result of pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations, smoking, black race, oral-contraceptives, obesity and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics increases the frequency to acquiring infection and are therefore vulnerable to fungal infections. Poor hygiene, chemical irritants and the presence of foreign body in the vagina can also cause vaginal candidiasis Objective: This study sought to access the knowledge and attitudes regarding causes, effects and prevention of vaginal candidiasis among female adolescent in the Adenta Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional design and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 403 female adolescents within the Adenta Municipality using a structured questionnaire. The data collected from respondents were collected and entered into Epi Data Entry Client v4.0.2.4.9 and was exported into Stata 14.0 for analysis. All numerical data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Chi-square, p-values were used to establish the associations between variables. Logistic regression of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. Results were presented in tables and graphs. Result: The study revealed that the overall knowledge of respondents was good (54.7%). Majority (57.7%) of the respondents knew poor hygiene to be the major cause of vaginal candidiasis and it can easily be transmitted through sexual intercourse (67.8%). About 97% of the respondents most agreed that sugar intake was a major risk factor of vaginal candidiasis with (39.9%) of them knowing infertility as a major effect of vaginal candidiasis if not treated. Friends (47.5%) and school (41.1%) were seen to be the major source of information regarding vaginal candidiasis. The attitude towards the prevention of candidiasis among female adolescents was good (58.9%). Though, more than 50% of the respondents agreed that candidiasis infection was dangerous, majority (82.7%) of them were unsure of symptoms and therefore (87.6%) agreed that people infected with candidiasis must seek for treatment from the hospital. Having a good knowledge on vaginal candidiasis [AOR=2.56 (95% Cl: 1.57– 4.15), p<0.001] and a good attitude towards it prevention [AOR=1.83 (95% Cl: 1.12–2.99), p<0.015] were positively associated with the effects of vaginal candidiasis. These participants were 3 and 2 times respectively more likely to have good attitudes towards the effects of vaginal candidiasis respectively. Also, the participants who were in a relationship with the opposite sex was statistically significant such that those who were in a relationship were 3 times more likely to be knowledgeable about candidiasis [AOR=2.96 (95% Cl: 1.14 – 7.84), p<0.025] as compared with those who were not in a relationship. In conclusion, female adolescents in the Adenta Municipality had good knowledge on the causes and effects of vaginal candidiasis. Those aged 10-15 years exhibited poor knowledge and attitudes regarding the causes, effects and prevention of vaginal candidiasis. Programs aimed at increasing the knowledge, attitudes of female adolescents on vaginal candidiasis should be implemented and more attention should be given to the adolescents between the ages of 10 and 15 years. The responses given by respondents was seen to be influenced by the socio-demographic characteristics such as age, level of education, religion and ethnic group.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of adolescents on psychoactive substance addiction: a survey in Jharkhand, India

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of adolescents on psychoactive substance addiction: a survey in Jharkhand, India

Effectiveness of School-based Substance abuse Prevention Programme (SSPP) on awareness, attitude, peer pressure, and life skills among adolescents in selected public schools of Pokhara, Nepal–A cluster randomized trial protocol

ObjectiveEarly substance use has been linked to various adverse outcomes and escalates quickly during adolescence. Delaying the onset of substance use among adolescents is a primary public priority as it is associated with severe effects. The objective of the study is to develop and determine the effectiveness of a School-based Substance Abuse Prevention Programme (SSPP) on awareness, attitude, peer pressure, and life skills towards preventing substance abuse among adolescents. MethodPhase I of the study is a qualitative approach, where a focus group discussion (FGD) will be conducted among different stakeholders to explore their perceptions regarding the prevention of substance use among adolescents. The anticipated sample size is 38. Thematic analysis will be done by using ATLAS.ti software. The inputs given by the stakeholders will be incorporated in developing the intervention (SSPP). Phase II is a cluster randomized controlled trial. A minimum of 210 adolescents (105 each in the intervention and control groups) between the age group of 13 to 15 years from 8th and 9th grade will be recruited for the study. In this study, the school will be the cluster and will be randomly assigned either to an intervention or control arm. The data will be collected at pre, post, 3-month, and 6-month intervals. The ethical approval was obtained from the Nepal Health Research Council Committee, Nepal (NHRC 276/2023). The trial was also registered under the Clinical Trial Registry of USA-Clinical Trials.gov (CTRI 06004726/2023/08/22/). Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to analyze the data. Expected resultsImplementation of the SSPP module will improve the awareness, attitude, peer pressure, and life skills of adolescents toward preventing substance use behavior. Overall, the study aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.5- ‘Good Health and Well-being; strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.’ ConclusionThe present study protocol will help to develop a unique training module (SSPP) focused on preventing substance use behaviour among adolescents in Nepal.

The relationship between attitude toward physical activity and weight gain in children and young adolescence.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between attitudes toward physical activity and weight gain among children and young adolescents with an additional focus on the impact of gender on these attitudes. Employing a descriptive survey method, data were systematically gathered via purposive sampling from 11 specific cities in Türkiye, ensuring representation from all seven regions. A total of 3,138 students, aged between 9 and 14 years, participated in this study, with a distribution of 46% girls and 54% boys. To assess the attitudes of children and young adolescents toward physical activity, the Youth Physical Activity Attitude Scale was utilized. Height and body weight measurements were taken to determine the body mass index of participants. SPSS 26.0 software facilitated the statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation analysis to explore relationships between variables. Multivariate Analysis of Variance was employed to evaluate the impact of age, BMI, and gender on attitudes toward physical activity. Participants classified as normal weight exhibited a more positive attitude towards physical activity compared to their obese and overweight counterparts. Moreover, a significant gender difference emerged, with boys demonstrating significantly higher positive attitudes toward physical activity than girls. However, no significant difference was observed in negative attitudes based on gender. The study also revealed that an escalation in negative attitudes towards physical activity correlated with students being categorized as underweight, overweight, or obese, as opposed to having a normal weight status. Additionally, a statistically significant divergence in both positive and negative attitudes towards physical activity was found based on age. Specifically, the results indicated that students aged 9 and 14 exhibited lower levels of positive attitude when contrasted with their counterparts of different age groups. Conversely, in the domain of negative attitudes, students at the age of 9 scored higher than their peers in other age categories. Attitudes towards physical activity can serve as a convenient indicator and guide for assessing the effectiveness of various practices or interventions aimed at promoting physical activity, with recognition of the significant gender difference in positive attitudes among children and young adolescents.

Disentangling Support for Violent and Non-violent Radicalization among Adolescents: A Latent Profile Analysis.

Although support for violent and non-violent radicalization can co-occur, only a few adolescents who support non-violent radicalization also support or engage in violent acts. Yet, little is known about what factors are associated with adolescents' paths towards or away from violent and/or non-violent radicalization. Within a socio-ecological and positive youth development framework, this study investigates profiles of support for violent and non-violent radicalization among adolescents attending high schools in Quebec (Canada) and whether such profiles are differently associated with experiences of social adversity, school-, family- and peer-related factors and psychological distress. Adolescents (N = 1911; Mage = 15.7; SDage = 0.98; 48.7% girls) completed an online survey during school hours. A Latent Profile Analysis on scores of support for violent and non-violent radicalization was conducted. A multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the associations between profiles and variables of interest. We identified six profiles of adolescents. The heterogeneity of profiles suggested multiple and complex combinations of support for violent and non-violent radicalization as well as their co-existence in some but not all profiles. Adolescents who reported less discrimination, more positive school experiences and more family support were less likely to belong to profiles that supported violence. Primary prevention efforts in the field of support for violent radicalization must adopt a socio-ecological and social justice approach and consider the diversity of adolescents' profiles, attitudes and experiences.

Insights into substance abuse knowledge and attitudes among high school students in Anbar Province, Iraq

Background: The high prevalence of substance use among children and adolescents has become a major global public health concern. This study aims to explore adolescents' knowledge and attitudes toward substance abuse. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2nd to February 15th, 2023 in Ramadi City, Anbar Province, Iraq. Students from eight high schools participated, selected through a multistage sampling approach. The bivariate analysis included independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Furthermore, a multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to predict factors influencing knowledge and attitudes. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. Results: The study included 415 students, with a mean age of 16.7 (±9.3) years, with a majority being male (52.8%). Accuracy rates for knowledge and attitude were 79.6% and 70.2%, respectively. About 79.3% of participants were familiar with terms related to drug abuse in Iraq. Regression analysis showed that higher knowledge scores were linked with male gender and a household income exceeding IQD 600,000 monthly (95% CI:1.311 to 2.923; P <0.001; and 95% CI:1.072 to 2.331; P =0.001), respectively. Attitudes toward drug abuse prevention were influenced by male participants and students with employed fathers (95% CI:1.245 to 4.302; P=0.025; and 95% CI: 2.073 to 6.737; P=0.032), respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, most of the students had sufficient knowledge and a constructive attitude toward drug use. Male gender, high income, and employed fathers were the main predictors.

‘Do I want children later in life?’ Reproductive intentions of 1700 adolescents

Purpose In the past decades, a positive attitude towards having children has been reported in young people. The current generation of adolescents is increasingly concerned about environmental cataclysm which may have an impact on their desire for children. The purpose of this study is to depict the current attitudes in Flemish adolescents towards having children. Materials and methods All secondary schools in Flanders (Belgium) were invited to distribute an anonymous online survey among their pupils in the last two years of secondary education. In total, 1700 adolescents participated and provided quantitative and qualitative data on their reproductive intentions. Results Most pupils expressed a desire for children (60.2%), 24.7% were undecided and 10.8% were not willing to have children. Significantly more boys than girls would like to have children (67.0% versus 61.7%, p < 0.01). Adolescents who were uncertain about having children or not interested, reported financial reasons and loss of freedom as most important reasons. Conclusions While most adolescents would like to have children in the future, one in four adolescents is undecided and one in ten indicates a wish to remain childless; reasons for wanting children are rather personal, reasons for not wanting children are rather pragmatic.

Adolescents' Knowledge and Attitudes about Contraception, Sexuality, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Pelvic Health

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can cause serious health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and cervical cancer. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to STIs due to risk-taking behaviors, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use. Our study aimed to examine the knowledge about contraceptive methods and sexually transmitted infections, and attitudes toward sexual health education among adolescents in Croatia. Methods: The participants were high school students aged 16 to 18 years. The study was conducted at Antun Gustav Matoš Gymnasium, Zabok. We obtained study data via an anonymous survey. Results: The study included 204 adolescents in their final years of high school. The total number of adolescents who had sexual intercourse was 47 (23%). The percentage of sexually active female and male adolescents was 21% and 27%, respectively. In the surveyed group of adolescents, 86% had never heard of subcutaneous progestin implants and 72% had never heard of contraceptive sponges. All adolescents had heard of oral contraceptives and condoms. In the surveyed group of adolescents, 58% had never heard of trichomoniasis and 10% had never heard of HSV. All adolescents had heard of HIV and syphilis. A total of 147 (72%) of the surveyed adolescents believed it as necessary to provide health education in schools. Conclusion: The initiation of sexual activity among adolescents in Croatia remains unchanged when compared to previous studies. Their current knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptive methods should be improved through continuous, well-designed, and comprehensive sexual health education.

Populist Attitudes among Teenagers: How Negative Relationships with Socialization Agents Are Linked to Populist Attitudes

While the origins and consequences of populist attitudes in adults are being studied extensively, it is still unknown when populist attitudes might emerge in a person’s life. Drawing on the existing literature on political socialization, we focus on populist attitudes during adolescence and explore the contributing role of negative relationships with parents, peers, and teachers. We provide the first comprehensive analysis of populist attitudes among a representative sample of children aged 12 to 18 (mean: 14.66 years) using a unique dataset gathered through interviews conducted in schools in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland (n=3,123). Our findings reveal a strong association between perceived unjust teacher behavior and the level of populist attitudes in adolescents, while the connection of peers and parents with populist attitudes appears to be limited. Further analyses using panel data from the UK support these findings.

0266 Sleep Attitudes in Adolescents: Demographic Differences and Associations with Sleep Health

0266 Sleep Attitudes in Adolescents: Demographic Differences and Associations with Sleep Health

IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND EATING BEHAVIOR AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN EDUCATION?

This research aims to see how adolescents' knowledge and attitudes about balanced nutrition are related to their eating behavior. Adolescents are the age group most vulnerable to changes in unhealthy eating habits, which can have a major impact on important aspects of their health. This research involved 160 junior high school students aged 12 to 17 years. Guidelines for knowledge of balanced nutrition (PUGS) as well as eating attitudes and behaviors are the topics of the Nutritional Literacy Survey. Based on the investigation, it is known that 66.9% are in the middle adolescence group (aged 14–17 years). Most respondents had moderate nutritional knowledge with a percentage of 69.4%, a negative attitude percentage of 55.6%, and eating behavior was also in the moderate category at 65.6%. The results of research using bivariate analysis show that the relationship between knowledge and adolescent eating behavior has a p-value of 0.114 (p &gt; 0.05) and the relationship between attitude and adolescent eating behavior has a p-value of 0.108 (p &gt; 0.05), so it can be concluded that there is no relationship between knowledge and attitudes towards the balanced nutritional eating behavior of adolescents. The significance of this research lies in the importance of integrating nutrition education into school programs and curricula to increase nutrition knowledge in adolescents, such as nutrition with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Additionally, educational programs that focus on sustainable development and health awareness may be effective in encouraging healthy eating habits in this age group.

Binge eating symptomatology in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

Several factors may contribute to binge eating behaviors in PCOS. However, findings are contradictory and studies in the adolescence are limited. We aimed to evaluate the eating attitudes of adolescents with PCOS and the possible etiological factors underlying the association between PCOS and binge eating symptomology. Between 2019 and 2022, 46 newly diagnosed adolescents with PCOS and 56 controls matched for age and BMI z-score were included. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18, and a questionnaire assessing postprandial reactive hypoglycemia symptom severity were given. Binge eating symptomology, in terms of over, uncontrolled, and emotional eating, were more prevalent in the PCOS group. Uncontrolled, emotional, and binge eating were positively correlated with postprandial reactive hypoglycemia symptom score. Overeating was also associated with clinical hyperandrogenism. Improving the disease outcome and reducing the future complications requires early recognition and management of emotional and uncontrolled eating behaviors in adolescents with PCOS.

Mobile Legends dan Dampak Toksik: Refleksi Sikap dan Perilaku Remaja dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Agama Islam

Mobile Legends, as an online game that is popular among teenagers, has attracted the attention of many parties regarding the social and behavioral impacts that may arise from interactions in the game. This scientific article aims to explore the toxic impact of Mobile Legends on adolescent attitudes and behavior, with a focus on the perspective of Islamic religious education. This study uses a qualitative approach in the form of interviews to collect data from teenagers who actively play Mobile Legends. Through in-depth interviews, this research tries to identify patterns of toxic behavior in games and analyze how the values of Islamic religious education can shape teenagers' understanding of the concepts of justice, tolerance and ethics in the context of online games. The research results show that there is a correlation between the intensity of playing Mobile Legends and changes in teenagers' attitudes and behavior. Apart from that, this article also discusses Islamic education strategies that can be implemented to overcome toxic impacts that may arise, including the formation of moral character, instilling Islamic values, and promoting mutual respect in cyberspace. It is hoped that this article will provide deeper insight into the relationship between Mobile Legends and its toxic impact on adolescent attitudes and behavior, as well as contribute to the development of Islamic religious education in facing modern challenges such as online games which can influence the mindset and behavior of the younger generation.

Factors influencing the oral health behaviour of Dutch adolescents with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities living in residential care: A qualitative study.

Toothbrushing, limiting intake frequency, and scheduled visits to an oral healthcare professional (OHP) are key for good oral health. We aimed to explore factors influencing these oral health behaviours in Dutch adolescents with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID) in residential care. Using a qualitative, descriptive approach, we conducted focus groups and interviews with 12 adolescents, 9 counsellors, and 6 OHPs. Thematic analysis mapped factors influencing adolescents' knowledge, attitude, planning, and execution of oral health behaviours to oral care stakeholders. Of nine identified influencing factors, three were pivotal: Structure (influencing toothbrushing and intake frequency), Anxiety (impeding dental visits), and Support (provided by counsellors). Counsellors should provide structured daily guidance on oral hygiene and diet for adolescents with MBID, while respecting the adolescents' autonomy. As intermediaries between adolescents and OHPs, counsellors are key in reducing dental anxiety. Counsellors need clear oral health policies within care facilities to address competing priorities.

A Study to Assess Awareness and Attitude of Adolescents regarding Covid-19 in selected Pre-University Colleges of Mysuru with A View to Develop Health Awareness Programme

Introduction: The Whole world, COVID-19 is a major public health problem. Over 1,18,000 cases of the COVID-19 illness is recorded in over 110 countries and territories around the world and sustained the risk of further global spread. Adolescents are more likely to engage in risky health practices related to COVID-19. To curtail COVID-19 spread and keep infections at a control, many countries across the globe have instituted lockdown and social distancing. Aim: To assess the awareness and attitude of adolescents regarding COVID-19 in selected Pre-University college at Mysuru with a view to develop Health Awareness program. Methods: The research design was descriptive research design and convenience sampling was adopted to select 100 adolescents in Pre-University college at Mysuru. The data was collected and analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: The results reveal that 57 adolescents had average awareness and 4 had good awareness and 39 had poor awareness. According to attitude 95 were having positive attitude and 5 adolescents had negative attitude towards COVID-19. Significant correlation was not found between awareness and attitude of adolescents. Significant association was found between awareness and age in years, gender and have you been vaccinated for COVID-19. Significant association was found ix x between attitude and is any of your family members got infected by COVID-19. Conclusion: In order to enhance the awareness and attitude of adolescents regarding COVID-19, Health awareness programme was conducted at the end. So that health care professionals play an important role in educating the adolescents to facilitate healthy growth and development and healthy practices in day- to -day activities.

Determinants Of Knowledge, Attitude and Self-efficacy of Khat Chewing Among School Students in Mogadishu Somalia

Introduction: Khat chewing has been a common habit throughout the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years. It is estimated that more than 20 million people in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula are adolescents. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of khat chewing among adolescents in Mogadishu, Somalia. Method: A cross-sectional study with a sample of 284 adolescents was used. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was used after obtaining an ethical approval from Universiti Putr Malaysia. Data were coded, entered, and statistically analyzed. Results: The prevalence of khat chewing among respondents was 10.2%. Almost more than half of the participants had poor knowledge (184, 64.8%) and self-efficacy (154, 54.2%), while 140 (49.3%) respondents had positive attitudes. Significant predictors of the students’ knowledge of khat chewing included monthly income of more than 500$ (AOR: 2.145), family history such as cousin (AOR=0.347), fathers with a high school (AOR=1.75) and a college degree (AOR=2.21). Significant predictors of the students’ attitude towards khat chewing included family income of 100-299 USD (AOR=0.5), fathers’ with a high school (AOR=2.5) and college (AOR=2.4). Significant predictors of the students’ self-efficacy to resist khat chewing included family income of 100- 300$ (AOR=2.25), fathers with a high school (AOR=2.6), and khat accessibility that is fairly difficult (AOR=0.63) and fairly easy (AOR=0.55). Conclusion: The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the adverse effects of khat chewing and the importance of addressing social norms and peer pressure in shaping adolescent attitudes toward Khat.

The effectiveness of “RS Centing” intervention to improve knowledge and behavior among adolescents to prevent stunting

Introduction: Based on data from the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Study (SSGI), the prevalence of stunting in Gresik Regency is 23%, close to the prevalence rate of stunting in East Java of 23.5%. Despite the decline, stunting is still a challenge for the government. The Gresik Regency government is focusing on ten sub-districts as priority focus locations for reducing stunting, one of which is the Kebomas Sub-District. Therefore, the researchers analyzed the implementation of Remaja Sehat Cegah Stunting/Healthy Youth Posyandu Prevent Stunting (RS Centing) program, which focuses on educating youth about stunting. Methods: Pre-experimental research, with a population of 75 teenagers, was selected based on inclusion: (1) age criteria (17-21 years old), (2) respondents who actively participate in youth activities, and (3) live in areas focused on stunting. The sampling technique used simple random sampling, which obtained 64 respondents. The dependent variable is adolescents’ level of knowledge and attitudes toward stunting—data analysis using simple linear regression analysis test. The research (1) gives a pre-test about knowledge and behavior for preventing stunting, (2) the “RS Centing” program provides assistance and outreach to young people in stunting focus locations. Then, (3) after assisting for three months, the team gave a post-test knowledge and behavior about stunting. The instruments used to conduct the research were questionnaires, pre and post-respondent knowledge, and behavior towards stunting, which would be given to respondents by Google link.Results: There was an influence of the RS Centing program on increasing knowledge (P-value &lt;0.01) and attitudes (P-value &lt;0.01) of adolescents in preventing stunting in Kebomas District, Gresik. Conclusion: The knowledge factor has the greatest influence (P-value 0.041, and relative value 0.000-0.376). Through this research, the Gresik Regency Government can optimize the RS Centing Program to reduce stunting in the Gresik Regency and achieve a stunting prevalence target of 10% in 2024. Keywords: attitudes of adolescents; knowledge; stunting

Utilization of Adolescent Information and Counseling Centers (PIK-R) on Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors About Premarital Sex in Nursing Study Program Students Mulawarman University Faculty of Medicine Samarinda City

Background: Youth PIK is a place for reproductive health services for adolescents developed by the government in the GenRe program, which is managed by and for adolescents. This PIK youth service provides benefits by providing information and counseling services on maturing marriage age, eight family functions, TRIAD KRR (sexuality, HIV and AIDS, and NAFZA), life skills (life skills), gender and advocacy skills, and IEC. Utilization of the Adolescent Counseling Information Center is greatly influenced by the level of knowledge, reflection of adolescent attitudes, motivation from the surrounding environment, peer support, and teacher support so that the incidence of premarital sex behavior, which is bad for adolescents, can be reduced.Objective: to identify the relationship between the utilization of information and youth health centers (PIK-R) towards adolescents in terms of knowledge level, attitudes, and premarital sexual behavior. This research is also expected to bring benefits to PIK-KRR organizational managers in the campus environment by directing activities that can become part of PIK-KRR activities to improve their functions.Methods: This research is a descriptive correlation study using a cross-sectional research design and a quantitative approach with a sample of 175 respondents. The data analysis used was the Chi-Square statistical test and the Spearman test to see the strength of the relationship.Results: In the Chi-Square analysis, the results show that there is a relationship between the PIK-R utilization variables and the level of knowledge (ρ- value 0.031 &lt; 0.05) with the category of weak relationship strength (correlation coefficient = 0.163 in the range between 0.10-0, 29) and the relationship is unidirectional. The results of the analysis of the relationship between the utilization of PIK-R variables and attitude show that there is a relationship (ρ -value 0.034 &lt; 0.05) with the category of strength of the weak relationship (correlation coefficient = 0.160 is in the range 0.10-0.29) and the relationship is unidirectional. The results of the analysis of PIK-R utilization and premarital sex behavior showed that there was a relationship (ρ -value 0.025 &lt; 0.05), but the relationship was not in the same direction because the correlation was negative (-0.169).Conclusion: There is a relationship between the variable utilization of information centers and youth counseling (PIK-R) and the variables of knowledge, attitude, and behavior of premarital sex in adolescents.