Publication: Adolescent Health Risk and Behavior Survey: A School Based Survey in Central Nepal
Date
2017
Authors
Thapa, B
Powell, J
Yi, J
McGee, J
Landis, J
Rein, L
Kim, S
Shrestha, S
Karmacharya, B
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
A comprehensive study of adolescent health risk specific to the Dhulikhel catchment
area has not been performed.
Objective
This survey assesses trends in demographics, nutrition, hygiene and related
infrastructure, causes of injury, violence, mental health, substance abuse, and
menstrual hygiene.
Method
A 40 question survey was adapted from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, translated into the Nepali language, and
administered to 1200 students in eight different schools in central Nepal. Descriptive
statistics were used to summarize the data.
Result
The data has identified nutrition, infrastructure, mental health, and menstrual
hygiene as areas for improvement. The number of adolescents who reported going
hungry some, most, or all of the time (30.5%, 25.8%, 13.9%) reveals a need for
better food access. Approximately 44.5 % of students had no access to soap and
water at school. Students who endorse dissatisfaction with themselves was 6.5%
and those with suicidal ideation or attempt was 11.8% of the surveyed population.
A significantly greater percentage of students who reported suicidal ideation also
reported engaging in behaviors related to physical violence, substance abuse,
being dissatisfaction with themselves, insomnia due to anxiety, and loneliness. Of
the female students, 40.1% reported missing school at least once in the last three
months due to their period.
Conclusion
This data shows a need for better food access, improved infrastructure in schools
in central Nepal, and the need to address the prevalence of mental health issues
through program interventions.
KEY WORDS
Adolescent health, School health, Survey
Description
Thapa B,1 Powell J,1 Yi J,1 McGee J,1 Landis J,1 Rein L,1 Kim S,1 Shrestha S,2 Karmacharya B2
1Department of Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin,
8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226.
2Department of Community Programs,
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Dhulikhel, Kavre.
Keywords
Adolescent health, School health, Survey