Investigation of High School Boys' Educational Needs Concerning Adolescence Period, in Isfahan City, 2002

Introduction: Due to the special conditions of adolescence period, it is ecessary to pay more attention to adolescents and their educational needs. This research was designed to determine adolescents' educational needs in regard to sexual and physical changes, physical health, emotional changes and mental health and also its relationship with demographic characteristics. Methods: This descriptive survey study was performed on 396 boy students aged between 13-19 in schools of Isfahan. They were selected by stratified and cluster random sampling methods. The data collecting tool was a questionnaire whose first section was for demographic characteristics and the next section investigated adolescents' educational needs. Data analysis was done by SPSS software and using ANOVA and Pear son correlation coefficient. Results: The participants' educational needs in the areas of sexual and physical changes (59.8%), physical heath (62.9%), emotional changes (59.6%) and mental health (58.3%) were in high and very high level. There was an adverse relationship between the participant's age and their educational needs in all areas except the area of physical health. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed the importance of proper education in this period. Therefore, providing education concerning adolescence is necessary for boys aged between 13-19. Key words : Adolescence, Educational needs, Students. Address:Boromand far Kh, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Source: Iranain Journal of Medical Education 2002, 6: 15-19.