PERCEPTIONS REGARDING PSYCHOSOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES AMONG ADOLESCENT AND YOUTH STUDENTS IN CHANDIGARH

Dr. Dinesh Kumar*, Dr. Naveen Krishan Goel and Dr. Deepak Sharma

ABSTRACT

Background: Psycho-social and behavioral problems of adolescents and youths account for a considerable proportion of the morbidities. These problems have not yet received proper attention in our country. Objectives: To investigate prevalence and spectrum of perceived psycho-social problems of male and female adolescents and youths. Methods: A cross sectional survey conducted among unmarried students studying in schools/colleges in four Government and Private schools/Colleges of Chandigarh. A stratified two-stage random sampling design was adopted. Data variables included background information lifestyle and psychosocial health related variables. Results: A total of 297 adolescents and youths including 176 (59.3%) males and 121(40.7%) females studying in selected schools/colleges were included. Out of total there were 19(6.4%) respondents reported drinking. Males were reportedly lacking more in terms of self confidence as compared to girls (10.8% Vs 4.1%). Scolding by parents, reported by 93(31.3%) respondents was the most common to feel hurt and another commonly reported reason was misunderstanding between friends 31(10.4%). On enquiring about any psychological issues, about 54% respondents felt at least one problem sometimes as they reported. Feeling of nervousness 102(34.3%) was the most common followed by feeling annoyed sometimes 98(38.0%), anxiety 94(31.6%), shyness 75(25.3%) and jealousy 58 (19.5%). Psychological problems were reportedly more among boys as compared to those among girls. Friend was the commonest choice to share their problems as reported by 37% boys and 25.6% girls followed by Mentors (20.2%) and family members (17.2%). Conclusions: Large proportion of adolescents and youths students faced psycho-social and behavioral issues. Students should be encouraged for adopting healthy life style, physical activities, yoga, meditation and value education. There is a need for creating awareness among parents and teachers for understanding problems of youths. Their problems should be solved with adolescent and youth friendly approach at individual, school and family levels.

Keywords: Adolescents; Psycho-social issues; Substance use.