The Georgian adolescent health survey: methodological and strategic issues.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a national survey on adolescent health and lifestyles in Georgia and to thus set up a database on adolescent.


METHODS
A two-stage cluster sample of around 8000-10000 in-school 15-18 years adolescents are being reached through a random selection of classes in Georgia. The sample has been stratified by age, region, type of school and language. A self-administered questionnaire of 87 questions has been developed and translated into the four main languages used in Georgia.


RESULTS
Up to June 2004, the researchers have reached 511 classes (9306 pupils). In total, 8039 questionnaires have been considered valid. The main concerns encountered for this survey are linked with acceptance of the survey, cross-cultural issues, political and strategic problems as well as inadequate physical environmental support.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite Georgia's unfavourable economical and political situation, it has been possible to run a national survey on the health of adolescents, according to the usual standards used in the field. This survey should allow for 1) the identification of priorities in the field of health care and health promotion 2) the monitoring of adolescent health in the future.
Michaud
Pierre-André
PA
Groupe de Recherche sur la Santé des Adolescents, Institut Universitaire de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland. Andre.Michaud@hospvd.ch
Pagava
Karaman
K
Phagava
Helen
H
Abashidze
Giorgi
G
Chanturishvili
Teimuraz
T
Jeannin
André
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005846:Georgia (Republic); D015438:Health Behavior; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D012494:Sampling Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires