Life style and patterns of health behavior among female adolescents in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

By using multistage method, three girl's schools in East zone in Alexandria were selected to identify the lifestyle and patterns of health behaviors among female adolescents in Alexandria. A sample of 439 girl students enrolled in the above schools was included in the study. A questionnaire sheet was developed to obtain necessary data. The mean age group was 14.54 +/- 1.94 years. Also 61.7% were first or second child. Weak positive correlation was observed between age groups, scholastic years and behavior patterns of the sample regarding beverage intake, dieting, and exposure to sun. A negative weak correlation was observed as regards physical exercise, while no significant correlation was observed in relation to nutritional habit. So, it is recommended to enforce health education of adolescent through several resources as schools, home and community. School health nurses and schoolteachers should be trained to respond to the needs of adolescents and should be provided with guidelines. Mass media should be used to disseminate information for adolescent in all areas, related to growth, and in establishing desirable health behavior