Elham Zare1, Masoumeh Simbar2, Zohreh Shahhoseini3. 1. Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Cross of Vali-Asr and Neiaiesh Highway, Opposite to Rajaee Heart Hospital, Tehran, 00982188202512, Iran, Tel: 1996835119. 3. Department of Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adequate attention to adolescents' health is considered an investment for the future of any country. Adolescents face many social and cultural challenges when they enter a new stage of social life. The advancement of adolescent social health depends on the recognition of their needs. This study aimed to explain the concept of social health needs from the perspectives of male adolescents to improve the health of both adolescents and the society. METHOD: In this qualitative study with a content analysis approach, 52 male adolescents aged 13-18 years participated in 10 semi-structured individual interviews and seven focus group discussions. They expressed their experiences and opinions regarding social health needs. Purposive sampling was performed to recruit the adolescents in different areas of Tehran in 2017. Collected data was analyzed using the conventional content analysis method. RESULTS: The findings were divided into four main themes and eight sub-themes including "need to have a healthy family (healthy family relationships and family responsibility)", "need to have a healthy society (favorable social status and favorable economic situation)", "need to have educational facilities (promoting productivity in schools and public education facilities)", "need to have communication with peers (healthy communication with peers and setting up for communication with peers of the opposite gender)". CONCLUSION: To promote social health in adolescents, it is necessary to plan for the empowerment of community, family, schools and mass media by health authorities and devise appropriate health policies.
BACKGROUND: Adequate attention to adolescents' health is considered an investment for the future of any country. Adolescents face many social and cultural challenges when they enter a new stage of social life. The advancement of adolescent social health depends on the recognition of their needs. This study aimed to explain the concept of social health needs from the perspectives of male adolescents to improve the health of both adolescents and the society. METHOD: In this qualitative study with a content analysis approach, 52 male adolescents aged 13-18 years participated in 10 semi-structured individual interviews and seven focus group discussions. They expressed their experiences and opinions regarding social health needs. Purposive sampling was performed to recruit the adolescents in different areas of Tehran in 2017. Collected data was analyzed using the conventional content analysis method. RESULTS: The findings were divided into four main themes and eight sub-themes including "need to have a healthy family (healthy family relationships and family responsibility)", "need to have a healthy society (favorable social status and favorable economic situation)", "need to have educational facilities (promoting productivity in schools and public education facilities)", "need to have communication with peers (healthy communication with peers and setting up for communication with peers of the opposite gender)". CONCLUSION: To promote social health in adolescents, it is necessary to plan for the empowerment of community, family, schools and mass media by health authorities and devise appropriate health policies.