A qualitative study of adolescents' perceptions of health related issues

To develop an analysis of the adolescents’ perceptions of health related issues.

A qualitative study was carried out to investigate on adolescents' perception on health. To collect data a sample of 52 adolescents aged IO to 19 years living in Tehran were interviewed on several health related issues. Then, a content analysis was performed.

Several topics were emerged indicating that adolescents believed that having a healthy community, social and cultural facilities, mental health and a healthy family are the most important health perquisites. Also they said were unemployment, social limitations and inappropriate education were the most important barriers that contributed to reduced health status in adolescents.

The findings suggest that to improve health for young age groups there is an urgent need to recognize issues that are important to adolescents.