Magnitude of health problems among late adolescents: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a very important phase of growth and maturity, but is often related with mental and behavioural problems. However, very few attempts are made to understand the magnitude of adolescent health problems; hence the current study was planned. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted among arts, commerce and science college students from Sangli, (Maharashtra) India; by using cluster random sampling. Due ethical considerations and written consent were undertaken. The study tool was self-administered questionnaire with inventories like SPIN, DASS-21 and PSST-A. Analysis was done using percentages and chi-square test. Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS-22 were used for analysis. Results: Eight hundred one (67.5%) students had psychological problems with anxiety being the commonest. Menstrual problems were reported by 413 (58.4%) female students. Psychological problems were associated with menstrual problems. Conclusions: Majority of students had some psychological problem. Menstrual problems were present in more than 50% female students. There is unmet need for proper guidance and help regarding health. Keywords: