Perceptions Of Adolescent Girls Research Articles

An exploratory study on perception of adolescent girls towards early menarche in a union territory of India

An exploratory study on perception of adolescent girls towards early menarche in a union territory of India

Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Young Women, Community Members and Health Care Providers on Legal Abortion in Lusaka District, Zambia

Background: In 1972, Zambia made abortion lawful on a broad basis. However, safe abortion services are still limited, and the necessary standards and requirements for executing an abortion remain stringent. Due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of abortion law, many women and girls continue to seek unsafe abortion methods outside of health facilities. Healthcare providers play a key role in the provision of safe abortion care to eligible girls and women, but little is known about how they handle it. The aim of this study was to Assess and Explore the Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of adolescent girls and young women, and healthcare providers on abortion in the Lusaka district. Data was collected from Chawama, Chilenje, Chipata Kanyama, and Matero Level 1 Hospitals in Lusaka District. Method: To answer the research topic, the study used Exploratory mixed approaches. Statistical Package for Social Science, Versioni20.0 (SPSS) was used. The matic analysis was used to examine qualitative data by extracting themes from the responses. To see if there were any differences or correlations between the variables' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes, cross-tabulations were used. This was demonstrated using Chi-square tests, which were all done at a 95ipercenticonfidenceiinterval with ai 0.05 significance level as the crucial level. For reporting, the SPSS frequencies were exported to Microsoft Word. Results: The study indicated that the knowledge levels on abortion among participants were high (93.25%). However, some participants on the other hand did not have sufficient information regarding the legality of abortion in Zambia. The theme analysis of reasons why they do not favor abortion revealed that one of them is religious, believing that abortion is comparable to murder. The findings also reveal that a person's religious affiliation influences their decision-making and thought process regarding abortion. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest.......

Knowledge and Perceptions of Adolescent Girls on HIV/AIDs and Family Planning

Nepali adolescent girls face distinct challenges in HIV/AIDS and family planning, necessitating a nuanced understanding. Global concerns for adolescent reproductive health and rights, emphasized in international conferences, apply to Nepal’s struggle with HIV/ AIDS, particularly among young people. In this context, this studyaims to investigate knowledge and perceptions of adolescent girls on HIV/AIDS in Nepali context. Moreover, this study concerns on exploring cultural norms and social determinants that affect family planning among adolescents in Nepal. The researcher has employed survey research design of quantitative research by taking data from 111 late adolescent girls (15-19 years) through questionnaires in Sindhuli. Findings reveal age-related influences on reproductive health knowledge and perceptions. While family planning awareness is widespread, specific method knowledge disparities exist. Despite challenges, most exhibit positive perceptions and behaviours towards people living with HIV/AIDS. This research contributes evidence-based interventions, emphasizing the need for context-specific strategies to address the reproductive health needs of adolescent girls in Nepal.

A randomized controlled trial on mobile phone text messaging to improve sexo-reproductive health among adolescent girls in Cameroon

BackgroundWe conducted a single-centered randomized controlled single-blinded trial (i.e. trained interviewers; blinded to group allocation). The target population included adolescent girls in the Kumbo West Health District (KWHD) of Cameroon. This trial tested the efficacy of weekly educational one-way text messages to improve perception of adolescent girls on sexo-reproductive health.MethodsAllocation concealment (1:1) was determined by sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes. A total of 398 participants either received the mobile phone sexo-reproductive health text messages (199) or not (199). A blinded program secretary send out text messages and recorded delivery. Data was collected and managed at baseline and at 6 month intervals using an interviewer-administered questionnaire before and after intervention, then analysed using the independent T-test (mean differences) and ANOVA on SPSS version 21.ResultsThe mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores respectively increased significantly from 6.03, 4.01 and 3.45 at baseline to 7.99, 5.83 and 4.99 at the end of the study. After performing ANOVA for the overall correct knowledge, positive attitudes and good practices respectively for between and within the intervention groups, we obtained: (F = 15.12, P = 0.023), (F = 60.21, P = 0.001) and (F = 57., P = 0.013) which showed statistical significance thus indicating the overall improvement in adolescents girls perception as a result of the intervention and not by chance. Majority (65.3%) of the participants were satisfied with the Short Message Service (SMS).ConclusionThis trial has contributed to the body of knowledge and evidence on the use of mobile phone technology using educative SMS to improve adolescent girl’s perception on sexo-reproductive health in Cameroon.Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR201805003259293. Registered 28 March 2018.

Assessment of an Educational Intervention on the Perception of Adolescent Girls towards Menstrual Hygiene in Ogun State, Nigeria

In low and middle-income countries, menstruation is impeded by several misconceptions, taboos and shrouded in secrecy. This serves as a major challenge to proper Education regarding menstrual hygiene and has blocked the access of adolescent girls to the right kind of information, thereby influencing a negative outcome associated with harmful behaviours. The objective of the study was to investigate the assessment of an educational intervention on the perception of adolescent girls towards menstrual hygiene in Ogun state, Nigeria. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design. One hundred and twenty (120) in-school adolescent girls were selected through a multistage sampling technique from four (4) secondary schools within four (4) local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. A validated 23-items questionnaire measured on a 69-point rating scale with a Cronbach Alpha scores 0.79 was used for data collection. The mean ±SD age and age at menarche of adolescent girls was 14.92±1.82; 12.73±1.38. The majority of respondents had low scores of perceptions. The educational intervention had an effective change in the level of perception of adolescent schoolgirls between baseline and the 6th-week follow-up, indicating a mean difference of 26.70 (p<0.01) for the peer-led, 26.54(p<0.01) parent-led, 20.16(p<0.01) parent and peer-led and a decrease in mean in the control group (-0.17; p=0.866). The peer-led educational approach had a better impact on adolescent girls’ perception compared to other educational approaches. Hence, this is an indication that peer-education strategies should be utilized for further interventions and in reaching out to adolescents.

Perception of secondary school adolescent girls on their own diet and health status in urban Benin

From childhood to adulthood, adolescence phase transition, implies many lifestyle changes. This study aims to investigate the perception of adolescent girls of their own diet and health status. A cross-sectional study, using a structured face-to-face administered questionnaire, were carried out in 395 adolescent girls 15 - 19 years old in secondary schools in Cotonou, in Benin. Chi 2 and Wilcoxon - Mann Whitney tests were performed to appreciate the variables associations. Logistic regression was executed to appraise the effect of self-perception on dietary practices. The average age of the participants was 16.7 ± 1.26 years. The prevalence of self-reported anaemia, diet quality and overweight/obesity was 18.23%; 57.72% and 9.87% respectively. Considering school character, more adolescents in private schools perceived themselves as being “overweight/obese” (22.8%) compared to their peers from public schools (0.4%). Self-perceived anaemia was related to dark green leafy vegetable and vitamin C-rich fruits consumption while self-perceived overweight/obesity decrease the consumption of meat and meat products. Adolescents who perceived their own diet as healthy reached the Minimum Dietary Diversity. The findings of this study highlight the importance of self-perception in adolescents eating habits and this should be considered in interventions improving their diet quality.

Nurses’ perceptions of adolescents accessing and utilizing sexual and reproductive healthcare services in Cape Town, South Africa: A qualitative study

BackgroundIn Sub-Saharan Africa access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive healthcare is unsatisfactory. Consequently, rates of teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortions among adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa, including in South Africa remain a public health challenge. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ views on and perceptions of adolescent girls’ barriers and needs to accessing and utilizing sexual and reproductive healthcare services. MethodsTwenty-four purposively selected healthcare workers from nine public healthcare facilities in Cape Town, South Africa participated in this qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected through nine group discussions, and audio-recorded with hand-written notes taken during the discussions. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, following the Tesch’s eight steps for coding and analysing qualitative data. ResultsSexual and reproductive healthcare nurses are generally supportive of adolescents who ask for and use contraceptives. Non-compliance to family planning regimens and repeated requests for termination of pregnancies were perceived by nurses as irresponsible behaviours which are particularly frustrating to them and not in concordance with their personal values. The subsequent nurse-adolescent interactions sometimes appeared to hinder access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive healthcare services by adolescents. ConclusionsNurses perceive certain behaviours of adolescent girls as irresponsible and warrant their negative attitudes and reactions toward them. The negative attitudes and reactions of nurses potentially further compromises access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive healthcare services by adolescent girls in South Africa and requires urgent attention. Adolescent-friendly clinic hours together with youth-friendly nurses is likely to encourage adolescent girls to access sexual and reproductive healthcare services and improve the use thereof.

Effect of social and behavior change communication by using infotainment in community perception of adolescent girls for reproductive and sexual health care in high priority districts of Assam

Problem consideredAdolescence, being the transitional phase, is marked by physical and psychological changes. Considering the challenges of adolescent girls (10–19 years) and long-term potential of investment, adolescent health was given special emphasis in NHP 2015. MethodsTo assess the effect of social and behavior change communication by using infotainment in community perception of Adolescent reproductive and sexual health care in high priority districts of Assam. Interventional Study-Before-after cross-sectional study, conducted in six HPD of Assam, along with Focus Group Discussions. Adolescent girls (AGs) were interviewed using predesigned pretested format. FGDs were conducted, 2 per district in each group. Social and behavior change communication (SBCC) intervention was given using facts for life video show followed by discussion and feedback. Statistical analysis used rates, ratio, proportion, and chi square. ResultsFrom 1350 households, 528 adolescent girls were interviewed. Knowledge about anemia was poor – only 56.1% agreed that anemia can be prevented. Majority (65.3%) did not know about any contraceptive methods. Safe sexual practices and HIV were known to 25.2% AGs. Majority (74.8%) did not know about STI/RTI – many (36.2%) would not inform anybody while some (25.6%) will consult doctor for such symptoms. SBCC intervention showed significant improvement in knowledge and perception of AGs (p<0.05). ConclusionsSBCC by using infotainment in community perception and practices for adolescent health, nutrition, awareness about HIV/AIDS, and other RTI/STI was found effective in improving awareness amongst adolescent girls in High Priority Districts of Assam.

Counteracting Media's Thin-Body Ideal for Adolescent Girls: Informing Is More Effective Than Warning

The present study investigated whether information or warnings about depictions of the thin-body ideal in mass media are effective in counteracting media-induced negative body perceptions of adolescent girls. Based on counter-advertising and reactance theories, our hypotheses were tested in a 3 (weight labels: information vs. warning vs. no label) × 2 (media models' body shape: thin vs. normal weight) × 2 (self-esteem: lower vs. higher) design (N = 178). Body dissatisfaction, objectified body consciousness, and body comparison with media models served as dependent variables. Pretested media models were systematically combined with various textual weight labels and presented on the front page of a magazine targeted toward girls. The results indicated that a simple information label that provided the weight status of thin media models induced less negative body perceptions in adolescent girls when compared with the use of warning labels or images only. Especially, girls with lower self-esteem then exhibited lower levels of body dissatisfaction and objectified body consciousness. When compared with exposure to images only, the warning labels had little effect on body perceptions by adolescent girls. Thus, informing is more effective than warning in counteracting the undesired effects of the thin-body ideal promoted by the media.

Study of Knowledge Attitude and Perceptions of Adolescent Girls of 16–18 Years Towards Reproductive Health in Urban and Rural Schools of South Kerala

Objectives : To assess the reproductive health knowledge, attitude and perception of school going adolescent girls of 16-18 years in urban and rural areas of south Kerala. Method : Cross sectional random survey was conducted among 1059 adolescent girls of 16-18 years, from five urban and five rural schools in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala. Statistical analysis was done using mean, percentages and Chi-square test. Results : Mean reproductive health knowledge of urban adolescents was 18.75 with a standard deviation of 5.02 (55.1% of the total) and rural 17.08 with a standard deviation of 4.8 (50.2% of the total). Only 14.7% of urban and 8.9 % of rural adolescents interacted about the reproductive health issues to their teachers. 83% of the adolescent girls agreed for the need to include reproductive health topic in the school curriculum. The results of the study had shown that the basic knowledge and awareness of late adolescent girls towards reproductive health was not satisfactory both in urban and rural areas, but urban girls were far better than rural girls .This study has also identified the fact that students were not discussing about their reproductive health doubts to teachers.

Help-seeking behaviour for internalizing problems: perceptions of adolescent girls from different ethnic backgrounds

ObjectiveAlthough adolescent girls from ethnic minorities are at an increased risk of internalizing problems (e.g. depression), only a small fraction seeks formal help for these problems. To enhance help-seeking for internalizing problems among ethnic minority adolescent girls, insight into their help-seeking behaviour is required. This study explored the perceptions of adolescent girls from different ethnic backgrounds regarding their help-seeking behaviour for internalizing problems.DesignA qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs) was employed. Eight ethnic-specific FGDs were conducted with 50 adolescent girls of mostly Turkish (n=23), Moroccan (n=13), and Dutch (n=10) backgrounds recruited in Rotterdam, a multicultural city in the Netherlands. FGDs were conceptually framed within a help-seeking model, facilitated by a vignette and analysed using NVivo software.ResultsWhen describing the internalizing problems presented in the vignette, participants of non-Dutch FGDs tended to state the causes of the problems (e.g. lack of attention) whereas participants of Dutch FGDs mentioned the emotional state. Participants did not perceive the presented internalizing problems as severe. If participants were to face internalizing problems of their own, their decision to seek help would be hampered by negative attitudes towards professionals and school-based services. Particularly in non-Dutch FGDs the fear of parental and friend's reactions was identified as a barrier. Participants identified their mother and a good friend as primary sources of help.ConclusionIn this study, adolescent girls of Turkish, Moroccan and Dutch backgrounds had difficulty recognizing the severity of internalizing problems, and various barriers could hamper their decision to seek help. To enhance utilization of mental health services by youth, promoting a change in their attitudes towards mental health/school-based services is recommended. Guaranteeing confidentiality within school-based services, and training for professionals in communicating with adolescent girls, may also prove beneficial. In ethnic minorities, tackling the negative reactions of family/friends requires attention.

Perceptions of Adolescent Girls with LD regarding Self-Determination and Postsecondary Transition Planning

Existing research has documented disparate outcomes between young women and men with disabilities in many transition domains, including employment, postsecondary education, and parenting. Similarly, students with learning disabilities (LD) have unique postsecondary transition needs. Promoting self-determination and active participation in transition is recommended in practice regardless of gender and disability type. Because both gender and disability status impact the postsecondary trajectories of young adults, helping young women with LD meet the demands of adulthood, including responding to opportunities for self-determination, is a salient issue. Using qualitative interview data and analysis, this study examined the perceptions of adolescent females with LD regarding self-determination during transition. Findings indicated that participants perceived they were self-determining individuals, yet several key component skills necessary for self-determination were missing. Connections to practice and future research are presented.

Perceived Parental Relationships and the Awareness Level of Adolescents Regarding Menarche

The present study aims to know the perceived relationships and the awareness level of adolescents regarding menarche. The sample consists of 400 adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 years from both the urban as well as rural areas of Jammu district. Random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Questionnaire and parent child relationship scale (PCRS) was used to collect the data. Chi-square values reveal that there is a significant difference in the awareness level of adolescent girls of urban and rural areas of Jammu regarding menarche and related issues but urban adolescent girls have comparatively better knowledge regarding these issues than rural adolescent girls. Urban adolescent girls perceive their parents more protecting loving and believe in object reward where as rural adolescent girls perceive their parents to be more symbolically punishing rejecting believing in object punishment. The perception of adolescent girls(R/U) towards their mothers varies significantly on dimensions-protecting demanding indifferent symbolically reward loving object reward favoring urban mothers whereas the perceptions for fathers are equally favorable for rural as well as urban on few dimensions. So it seems that perceived relationships of adolescent girls with their mothers play an important role in the transfer of knowledge regarding issues in family life education. Hence parental involvement for providing proper knowledge should be enhanced during adolescent years as fathers are still not seen as a source of information. Also it was found that Friends/ peers were very important source of information in this regard. So there is a need to teach adolescents about their body organs and their functions since ignorance perpetuates myths and mis-belief. In societies such as ours where parents dont normally discuss such matters with their children this could be achieved by incorporating family life education/ sex education in school curricula. (authors)