Reproductive Health Need Assessment of Adolescent Boys and Girls during Puberty: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Adolescence is the transient period from childhood to adulthood and the beginning of physical, mental and social changes. Understanding and meeting adolescents' needs may have important effects on reducing theirs dangerous behaviors and therefore, will result in a more health society. This study aimed to assess the reproductive health needs of Iranian adolescent. Materials and Methods This qualitative design study explored the reproductive health needs among Iranian adolescent boys and girls. Purposeful sampling method was used until data saturation was reached. Data was gathered using focus group for girls and face to face interviews for boys. The interviews used semi-structured questions. Data analysis was carried out using the method proposed by Altschuld for need assessment. Trustworthiness of the data was assessed using Guba and Lincoln Indicators. Results Participants were 10 adolescent girls (age range from 13-15) and ten 14-17 year age male adolescences. The reproductive health needs of girls included 4 categories: Menarche and puberty health, Discrimination in family and society, Sexual orientation, education and Consultation demands. The needs extracted from interviews of adolescent boys included adaptation with changes in puberty, sexual orientation, educational and consultation demands. Conclusion Despite some differences between males and females needs, their reproductive health needs are greatly similar. Adolescents need more Education and consultation support about puberty which will be possible with education of families and teachers.