Adolescent knowledge, values, and coping strategies: implications for health in sub-Saharan Africa.
OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this study were to investigate the experiences and knowledge of adolescents living in an urban center in Kenya and to understand how the decisions they make affect their physical and psychological health.


METHODS
A sample of 216 adolescents was drawn and they met weekly in small groups with trained facilitators for a period of 6 months. A research team monitored the developments of the groups and the topics they discussed. The findings were corroborated by the adolescents.


RESULTS
It was found that adolescents were primarily concerned with developing a coherent and consistent set of personal values which would govern their behavior. Unfortunately, they could not always achieve those values and they resorted to dysfunctional coping strategies which were injurious to their health.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of the adolescent in developing countries is complex and poorly defined. In a period of unprecedented change, an urgent and comprehensive review is necessary by all sections of society if the health of this group is to improve.
Balmer
D H
DH
Department of Psychology, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Gikundi
E
E
Billingsley
M C
MC
Kihuho
F G
FG
Kimani
M
M
Wang'ondu
J
J
Njoroge
H
H
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D002648:Child; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006126:Group Processes; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011897:Random Allocation; D011902:Rape / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D012922:Social Change; D012945:Social Values