Knowledge and practices of a group of adolescents toward some aspects of their health and development

الملخص EN

Background: Information is important for adolescent to develop healthy lifestyles, protect themselves from disease, and participate meaningfully in society, This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and practices of a group of adolescents toward some aspects of their health in Erbil-Iraq Methods : A cross sectional study was carried out in Erbil city, from October 15th to December 15th, 2008.

The questionnaire was designed by authors and administered to students during class time.

Verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results : the study sample was composed of 441 adolescents (257 males, and 184 females).

The male : female ratio was 1.4: 1.

The mean age (+SD) was 15.7 + 2.3 years (ranging from 11-19 years).

More than half (58.5 %) think that they are in a good health, 23.6 % believe that smoking affect their health negatively, More than half (52.83%) eat healthy food, around 52 % practice exercise, and 39.46 % take vitamins to take care of their health Conclusion : the knowledge and practice of our adolescent toward their health and practice still deficient and need more advanced follow up to increase information regarding this branch.