Faculty Collaboration Database

Adolescent Health Risk and Behavior Survey: A School Based Survey in Central Nepal. Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) 2017 Oct.-Dec.;15(60):301-307

Date

10/01/2017

Pubmed ID

30580346

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85049226221 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   11 Citations

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.

Author List

Thapa B , Powell J , Yi J , McGee J , Landis J , Rein L , Kim S , Shrestha S , Karmacharya B

Author

Bipin Thapa MD Assistant Dean, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Adolescent Health
Female
Humans
Male
Mental Health
Nepal
Prevalence
Risk-Taking
Schools
Students
Suicidal Ideation
Surveys and Questionnaires
Violence