Knowledge Assessment of Educational Health Needs in Blind Adolescent Females During Puberty in Tehran

Abstract

Introduction: Puberty in adolescents is always accompanied with many psychological changes and they require education during this period of life. The need for education in adolescent females with vision loss is more sensitive.Objective: This study aimed at investigating health education needs of puberty in blind adolescent females at specialized centers in Tehran in the academic year of 2012 to 2013. Materials and Methods:The present research was a descriptive study. One hundred blind females between 9 to 19 years old were studied based on the use of simple sampling during the academic year of 2012 to 2013. The data collection tool was a self-made questionnaire including 30 questions, which was used by samples after the confirmation of validity and reliability. For data analysis, the SPSS software version 16 was used. Results:The rate of desirable awareness regarding physical and psychological health was 12% and 28%, respectively, and the most important source of obtaining information was the participants' mothers with a frequency of 42%. Discussion and Conclusion:Puberty education is a necessity in order to increase awareness of blind girls in relation to physical and psychological health. Since these adolescents' mothers were the most important source of obtaining information, the researchers could achieve positive outcomes with education based on the adolescents needs.

Puberty challenges of female adolescents with visual impairment

“…The most important development of adolescence is the process of puberty which is associated with many mental, physical, sexual, and social problems (Khodabakhshi-koolaee et al, 2019). Furthermore, if this sensitive period is accompanied by a sensory disability such as visual impairment, the challenges of this period bring about additional problems for the adolescent (Bahari et al, 2017). Statistics show that approximately 1 in 10,000 blind and partially sighted children are born worldwide each year.…”

“…These people do not have access to equal opportunities to develop their sexual knowledge and thus do not have the necessary knowledge to protect themselves and understand sexual issues and sexual health concepts (Krupa & Esmail, 2010). In general, having the required knowledge and awareness about puberty is useful for families and their female adolescents and prevents conflict between parents and children and contributes to controlling emotions in adolescents (Bahari et al, 2017; Michielsen & Brockschmidt, 2021).…”

Assess Puberty Health Needs Among 10-15-year-old Boys 

“…Additionally, these skills have a social dimension, in that they aim to build empathy, tolerance and understanding of gender diversity [6]. It is important to remember that teens may not always be direct in their questions for the doctor.…”