Understanding of puberty and related health problems among female adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives: To understand the level of knowledge, a community based study conducted with the objectives as follows: To estimate the proportion of common facilities available and accessible and frequency of utilizing of it. To estimate the proportion of female adolescent utilizing the availability of facilities. To assess the level of understanding related to puberty and related health problems among female adolescents.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the understanding and level of knowledge related to puberty and related health problems among female adolescents of Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected from 150 female adolescents between 10-19 years of age. The pre-coded questionnaire was used to collect the data which was double entered and analyzed in SPSS.

Results: Sixty six percent (66%) of the participants were aware of the names of reproductive organs. Majority of the participants received information related to sexuality from their mothers. Sixty seven percent (67%) of the participants did not know about self breast examination. Cable and internet were cited as a major source of puberty and sexual health related information.

Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a lack of knowledge related to puberty and related health problems among female adolescents. This study recommends that the adolescents should be provided with health education before and during their puberty period to make them confident in dealing with their body changes during puberty effectively.