Perspectives Of Adolescent Girls Research Articles

Adolescent Girls’ and Boys’ Perceptions of Mental Health

The aims of this study are to analyse the concept of mental health from the perspective of adolescent girls and boys and to describe what adolescent girls and boys regard as important determinants of mental health. Interviews with 48 children, 13 and 16 years old, in Sweden were held individually or in focus groups. The adolescents perceived mental health as an emotional experience, where positive as well as negative health is part of the concept. Family is the most important determinant for young people's mental health, closely followed by friends. Neither girls nor boys believed that there were any large differences in mental health between girls and boys. Age differences seemed to be more important than gender in the perception of mental health by children.

Should We Discuss Weight and Calories in Adolescent Obesity Prevention and Weight-Management Programs? Perspectives of Adolescent Girls

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore adolescent girls’ perspectives on potentially sensitive topics related to weight management. Data were collected using individual semistructured interviews. Thirty high school–aged girls, who were at risk for overweight and had participated in a school-based obesity prevention program, were interviewed. Data were analyzed using qualitative methodology. Girls were mixed on whether nutrition-related information and messages should emphasize weight control or health. Although girls expressed interest in weight-related issues, some had concerns that overemphasizing weight control might lead to unhealthful and excessive weight preoccupation. Whereas many girls want to receive information on weight and calories to guide their decision making about food choices, care must be taken to avoid unintended harmful consequences.

Cultural interpretation of menstruation in relation to adolescent girls in Nigeria

Early anthropological reportage on adolescence in developing countries was largely concentrated on research and reports relating to rites and celebrations of puberty. Present day occurrences in the Nigerian socio-cultural and global terrain have however called attention to the importance of sexual attitudes and behaviours in fostering knowledge about the adolescent girl in Nigeria. The paper notes that contemporary advocates of adolescents have largely based their intervention patterns on reproductive health care programmes which greatly undermine the subject of blood flow in the female individual especially as experienced from the subjective perspective of adolescent girls. Information derived from researching cultural information on menstruation and other forms of blood flow in adolescent girls in Nigeria can contribute extensively to existing knowledge about the female world in general and on adolescent girls in particular. This will further encourage ongoing advocacy programmes in channeling the development of adolescent girls in Nigeria towards an effective sustenance of adult life. IFE PsychologIA Vol. 13(2) 2005: 219-228

Topical microbicide use by adolescent girls: concerns about timing, efficacy, and safety.

Adolescent girls could benefit from topical microbicide use if the product is acceptable to them. The goal was to evaluate girls', mothers', experienced healthcare providers', and medical students' views on timing of use, efficacy, and safety of topical microbicide use by adolescents. Focus groups were conducted with girls, mothers, healthcare providers, and medical students. All groups were videotaped, transcribed, and coded for relevant themes. A delay between insertion and coitus presented a problem, and pre- and postcoital use had advantages depending on the group. Efficacy was evaluated by timing of use, smell, ability to feel the product, and confidence that it would spread sufficiently. There were concerns about physical side effects and the impact on normal vaginal flora. This study demonstrated the importance of understanding the unique needs and perspectives of adolescent girls and the adults who have an influence on their use.