Knowledge Of Teenagers Research Articles

Does disaster education of teenagers translate into better survival knowledge, knowledge of skills, and adaptive behavioral change? A systematic literature review.

An increasing number of people are affected worldwide by the effects of disasters, and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) has recognized the need for a radical paradigm shift in the preparedness and combat of the effects of disasters through the implementation of specific actions. At the governmental level, these actions translate into disaster and risk reduction education and activities at school. Fifteen years after the UNISDR declaration, there is a need to know if the current methods of disaster education of the teenage population enhance their knowledge, knowledge of skills in disasters, and whether there is a behavioral change which would improve their chances for survival post disaster. This multidisciplinary systematic literature review showed that the published evidence regarding enhancing the disaster-related knowledge of teenagers and the related problem solving skills and behavior is piecemeal in design, approach, and execution in spite of consensus on the detrimental effects on injury rates and survival. There is some evidence that isolated school-based intervention enhances the theoretical disaster knowledge which may also extend to practical skills; however, disaster behavioral change is not forthcoming. It seems that the best results are obtained by combining theoretical and practical activities in school, family, community, and self-education programs. There is a still a pressing need for a concerted educational drive to achieve disaster preparedness behavioral change. School leavers' lack of knowledge, knowledge of skills, and adaptive behavioral change are detrimental to their chances of survival.

Model for the Pro-movement Attitude Conceptualization in Adolescent Girls

Abstract The 21th century society registered notable changes on many aspects of life, from demographic dynamics to further development of communication technology. For this reason, it is putting in evidence as a trend more obvious the movements necessity. Physical inactivity, during the transition from adolescence to young adults, know an increasing. In Romania, 5% of the young girls age between 15-24 years practice sports activity regularly, and 31% are involving in physical activity performed outdoor or leisure activities (cycling, dancing, walking). The study follows the development of the teenager girls attitudinal system using methods of physical education and sport. The current presentation proposes the improvement of the percentage of the teenager girls involved in sports activity. During this experimental research, we designed and implemented: motric programs and cognitive programs – capable to enrich the teenagers knowledge according to their interests. We have mentioned that the subjects could choose their favorite sports activity, and we obtained information about their interests applying a questionnaire. Bibliography which helped this research is constituting in psychology studies, pedagogy studies, sociology studies. Pro movement attitude of teenager girls is achieving through social learning, having an influence on manage or activation of behavior.

Individual and familial factors associated with teenage pregnancy: an interview study

The determinants of teenage sexual health, including pregnancies, can be addressed from social, familial and individual level perspectives. The main objective of this study was to examine whether pregnancy among 18 years old and younger girls were associated with selected individual (age at coitarche, score of sexual health knowledge, dislike of school) and family (mother's education) and family functioning (alcohol abuse in the family, parents' acceptance of sexual relationship) characteristics. An interview survey in two medical institutions in Estonia among 279 18 year old and younger girls, who: (i) used contraception, had been sexually active for at least 6 months and had not pregnancies--(148 girls); (ii) came for termination of pregnancy--abortion group; (iii) planned to deliver and came for prenatal care--delivery group. The last two groups were analysed together as the 'pregnancy group'--131 girls. Multivariate analysis, by means of logistic regression models, was used to explore whether the associations were sustained after adjusting for other variables. Crude odds ratios (ORs), adjusted ORs and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated, with girls having no pregnancies as the reference group. Risk factors associated with teenage pregnancy were low score of sexual health knowledge (adjusted ORs 3.07; 95% CIs 1.73-5.46), dislike of school (adjusted ORs 1.96; 95% CIs 1.08-3.54), alcohol abuse by family members (adjusted ORs 2.03; 95% CIs 1.16-3.54). Sexual knowledge of teenagers, their attitude towards school, alcohol abuse in the family are factors associated with teenage pregnancies.

The curriculum as a tool for inclusive participation: Students’ voices in a case study in a Portuguese multicultural school

Portuguese schools in urban areas became multicultural during the 90s. Some students are quite distanced from the school culture. Many repeat grades. The curriculum emerges as a means of (re)organizing school practice, so that it is designed to foster inclusion. It is a tool for social mediation between the culture and knowledge of teenagers, and academic ones. It shapes the interactions between participants, cultural tools and knowledge. The principles of inclusive schooling promote the respect for diversity, underlining the need to listen to all voices of a learning community. According to the sociocultural approach appropriating knowledge and developing competencies is a complex process. Interactive practices shape students’ academic performances. Collaborative project work has been used to promote students’ engagement. This action-research project developed an alternative curriculum in a class (grades 5 and 6) from a poor and multicultural school in Lisbon. A follow-up investigated the impact of the educational changes on the learners’ participation in school and in social practices, and on their future life. We aim at analyzing this alternative curriculum process by focussing on students’ narratives. Results highlight improvements in students’ academic and social competencies. Changing practices during compulsory education facilitated achievement and resulted in a better socialization.

Assessment of knowledge of melanoma risk factors, prevention, and detection principles in Texas teenagers.

The incidence of melanoma has increased in the past 10 years more rapidly than any other cancer. Exposure to intense solar radiation in youth significantly increases the lifetime risk of developing melanoma. We postulate that teenagers have little awareness of melanoma prevention or detection principles. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of teenagers about melanoma and to identify which age groups are most receptive to altering their sun exposure behaviors. Two hundred and ten examinations testing general knowledge of sun exposure and melanoma were completed and returned by junior high and high school students ages 12 to 18 in Dallas and Houston, Texas. All students completing and returning the examination were provided with the correct answers to the test and a detailed explanation of each of the test items as part of an educational exercise. A second questionnaire was then administered to determine the effect of the educational exercise on future sun exposure practices. Students were divided into two age groups (12 to 15 and >or=16 years old) for comparison of scores on the knowledge examination and responses to behavioral items. Comparison of response rates between age groups was performed using chi(2) analysis. The return rate was 100%, with 109 students age 12-15 years, and 101 students >or=16 years. Seventy-six percent of all respondents sunbathed outdoors, and 18% had used a tanning bed in the past 6 months. Thirty-three percent of students admitted to at least three blistering sunburns in the past. The average score on the knowledge assessment examination was 65% correct for students >or=16 years old and 54% correct for those 12-15 years old. Students 12 to 15 years old were significantly more likely to indicate they planned to change future behaviors regarding performance of skin self-examinations and limiting sun exposure as compared to the older students. A significant number of teenagers have already enhanced their risk for future melanoma by suffering severe sunburns. Students younger than 16 years of age were significantly more likely to indicate they planned to change future behaviors after receiving information about melanoma. The data from this pilot study support education aimed at younger age groups to most effectively achieve risk reduction and prevent future melanomas.

Confronting the Teenage Pregnancy Issue: Social Marketing as an Interdisciplinary Approach

Social marketing is advocated here as a viable approach for increasing responsible teenage contraception. The innovative field is reviewed and the major issues dealing with the adoption and implementation of a social marketing approach to teenage contraception are discussed. Research on teenagers' sexual and contraceptive attitudes and behaviors is also reviewed. The discussion emphasizes that the use and adoption of effective contraceptive methods requires both individual level decision-making and interpersonal negotiation with contraceptive providers. Some of the key individual level considerations are presented here within the context of a problem-solving framework for contraceptive use. It is concluded that interdisciplinary efforts are needed to expand and integrate our knowledge of teenagers' fertility-related attitudes and behaviors to facilitate effective social marketing strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on improving our understanding of the social psychological processes underlying how teenagers, both individually and in conjunction with others, consider, discuss, and decide upon the various contraceptive methods.

547. Sex knowledge of teenagers and the effect of an educational rap session

547. Sex knowledge of teenagers and the effect of an educational rap session

Socio-psychological factors and metabolic control in juvenile diabetes.

The influence of exogenous and environmental factors on metabolic control was studied in 58 insulin treated juvenile diabetics, 6-17 years of age. Duration of diabetes varied between 3-14 years and age at onset of diabetes between 1-13 years. The social situation as well as knowledge about and attitudes towards diabetes among the patients and their parents were estimated by interviews, questionnaires and special tests. The quality of the diet, exercise and insulin treatment was assessed. An index of diabetic control was calculated on the basis of the patients daily urinalysis made at home. Multiple regression analysis and a special statistical "instrumental" variable technique were used in an effort to analyse the correlations between all variables. The social situation of the diabetic children was comparable with that of other Swedish children, but many parents felt the economic burden of the diabetic treatment as a problem. Knowledge tests showed that 25% of the parents and 62% of the patients above 12 years had unsatisfactory knowledge about diabetes. However, 93% of the patients seemed to have predominantly positive attitudes towards the treatment. Severe psychological problems had occurred in 7 cases. Food habits were appropriate among 21% of the patients and 26% had very regular exercise customs. Physical exercise seemed to be the most important of the exogenous factors for the diabetic control (p less than 0.001). Among teenagers knowledge was positively correlated to positive attitudes which in turn were positively correlated to physical exercise. Instrumental variable technique gave further indications of a positive influence of knowledge on control, and the correlation between diabetic control on one hand and knowledge combined with positive attitudes on the other was significantly positive. The results emphasize the importance of assisting young diabetic patients and their families in their socio-psychological adaptation to the strains of diabetic therapy.