A SURVEY ON THE HEALTH CONCERNS OF ADOLESCENTS OF 15- 18 YEARS OLD IN ZANJAN IN 2016

Among the different periods of life, adolescence is one of the most important and
most precious period in everybody's life, and it has got serious concerns which can continue into
adulthood. One of those concerns is being healthy. Since adolescence is the best time to target preventive
treatment efforts, therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the health concerns of adolescents at
the age of 15-18 in Zanjan City.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 264 students of 15-18 years old were selected by
random cluster. The tool for data collection was a two-part questionnaire containing the person's
demographic information and standard health concerns. Data analysis was performed using the
spss17software.
Results: The mean age of the students participating in the study, was16.29±1.47 years old. The mean
score of concern in girl adolescents (52.53 ± 23.5) was more than the boy adolescents (51.25 ±27.97)
(p=0.69).
The mean score of girls concern in different diminution such as disorders and diseases, prevention and
control of injuries, social health, communications, emotional health, and the future was more than the
ones for the boys. The mean score of boys concern in diminution such as individual health concern,
environment, health care services, nutrition, were more than that of the girls, but mean score of future
diminution in both groups were significant.
Conclusion: Given the importance of the critical period of adolescence, it is essential that the needs and
concerns of adolescents' health, especially primary care system get special attention. Preventive and
supportive programs for teens are recommended as well