Mental health of youths: effect of education on changes in attitude and behavior
Catipović, V.; Novalić, D.
Lijecnicki Vjesnik 124(1-2): 15-19
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-3477 PMID: 12038092 Document Number: 543518
Two final classes of Bjelovar Secondary Medical School were questioned twice about alcohol, nicotine and drugs abuse, early sexual intercourse and confidence in parents and teachers, in order to estimate their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour: at the beginning and at the end of the winter term of the year 2000/2001. The answers show that significant improvement in the knowledge of mental hygiene does not necessarily change the behavior of the examines. Three quarters of the examinees smoke tobacco, over 90% of them consume alcohol and one quarter have been experimenting with the so called "light" drugs. The majority of the examinees consider early sexual intercourse (before the age of sixteen) undesirable. Less than half of the examinees are satisfied with their relationship with parents. Small number of examinees is willing to ask for the teachers' help in solving noneducational problems. The results of this study have showed the need for the constant performing of preventive school programs for the improvement of communication skills between parents, pupils and teachers.