Assessment of knowledge of high school teachers regarding adolescent behavioral problems: A cross sectional survey in selected schools of Jaipur city
Abstract
Adolescence is described as a normal phase of increased conflict. In adolescents, longstanding behavioral difficulties represent a more extended mental health problem. Many studies have revealed the extent of the this problem, since the burden of mental health problems is maximum in young adults, the most productive section of the population, the early detection and treatment is the only solution. The present study was aimed to assess the knowledge of high school teachers on adolescent behavioral problems. In view of the nature of the problem under study and to accomplish the objectives of the study, descriptive survey approach was found to be appropriate to describe the knowledge of high school teachers regarding adolescent behavioral problems. This study observed that a majority of the respondents (83%) had good level of knowledge on adolescent behavioral problems.
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Introduction
Adolescence is a time of transition, an age when the person is not yet an adult, but is no longer a child, a unique age which occurs between 12 to 20 years. The developmental tasks that emerge during adolescence threaten the person’s defense. They can either stimulate new adaptive ways of coping or lead to regression and maladaptive coping responses. Old problems may interfere with the adolescent’s coping abilities, and environmental factors may help or hinder the adolescent’s attempts to deal with them. Previous coping skills if used successfully can promote healthy adaptation and integrated adult functioning. During adolescence major events occur and attempts are made to deal with them. This results in behavior uniquely “adolescent”. 1
In adolescents, long-standing behavioral difficulties represent a more extended mental health problem. According to the WHO and UNICEF health report 2001, as many as 20% of children worldwide are suffering from behavioral problems, which could lead to serious public health problems. The WHO reported that 70% of premature adult deaths could be linked to negative adolescent behavior such as smoking and substance abuse.2
Adolescents with conduct problems display behaviour that violates the basic rights of others or societal norms and rules. Examples include fighting, cruelty, lying, truancy, and destroying property, other behaviours may consist of aggression towards people and animals, bullying and threatening behaviour, stealing, use of weapons, destruction of property, fire setting, running away and staying out late.3
Conclusion
It can be concluded from this study that a majority (83%) of the respondents had good level of knowledge while none of them could be rated as having poor level of knowledge. The overall knowledge score obtained by the respondents was 26.35±3.06, with a mean percentage of 77.5%. Area wise analysis of the knowledge scores revealed that the respondents scored highest in the area of management of adolescent behavioural problems with a mean score of 12.32±1.52 and a mean percentage of 88%.