Promotion of overall health during the adolescent period for adolescent girls through teaching program – A quasi-experimental study

Background Adolescence, characterized by physical, psychological, and behavioral transformations, often elicits varied responses from girls. Adequate data can aid them in navigating these changes effectively. The study aimed to assess adolescent girls' understanding of puberty, psychological transitions, reproductive health, and the importance of a balanced diet during this developmental stage. Method: In this quasi-experimental investigation, purposive sampling was utilized to gather data. The study comprised 184 teenage girls aged between 10 and 19, with 92 participants assigned to both the intervention and control groups. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire consisting of thirty-one questions aimed at assessing knowledge of pubertal changes, psycho-social shifts, reproductive health, and the significance of a balanced diet. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software to examine the collected data. Findings: The mean age of the study population was 13.76±1.2 years. Adolescent females in the intervention group exhibited a significantly higher mean understanding of pubertal changes, psychological shifts, reproductive health, and the importance of a balanced diet compared to those in the control group. Conclusions: To enhance knowledge among adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene practices, pubertal changes, and reproductive health, there is a pressing need to bolster information, education, and communication (IEC) programs.