Needs Assessment for a University-based Youth Clinic in Beirut, Lebanon: A Mixed Quantitative and Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the needs, interests, and barriers to using the services of a university-based Youth Clinic in an inner city area of Beirut-Lebanon. The population consisted of 12-22 year old students of schools and universities located in the targeted area, and of other stakeholders active in the targeted area. We conducted a survey of 629 school students; a survey of 295 first year university students; a focus group with parents and educators; and interviews with organizations. Results indicated that the preferred means of service delivery for school and university students was an Internet site for youth health. Their top topic of interest was diet and nutrition. Their preferred location for meeting the clinic’s staff was the clinic itself. School students preferred being accompanied by friends, university students preferred being on their own. The top barrier for the students was the ‘feelings of embarrassment and annoyance’. Parents, educators, and organizations representatives reported a lack of health related services and activities specialized for the youth. They expressed an urgent need for social and psychological support and for counseling services. Their top topics of interest were parents-youth relationship, sexual education, smoking, diet and nutrition. Their mostly discussed barrier was the services’ cost. While students valued a health Internet site and were mostly interested in the topic of diet and nutrition, parents and educators expressed the need for social and psychological support and for counseling services. Youth Clinics should assess and tailor their services to the need of their local community.