Assessment of Adolescents' Self- Esteem in Secondary Schools

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the secondary schools obese adolescents' self esteem level.

Methodology: A descriptive study is carried out at AL-Najaf AL-Ashraf City, of December 1^st, 2011 to April 6^th, 2012. A multi stage sample of (1350) subjects; it is selected throughout the use of probability sampling. The data are collected through the use of semi-constructed questionnaire, which consist of three parts (1) Economic Sociodemographic data of that consist of 14-items (2) Index of Self Esteem Scale that consists of 25-items (3) Anthropometric Measurements which consist of Weight and Height. Reliability of the questionnaire is determined through a pilot study and the validity through a panel of (24) experts.

Results: The finding of the present study indicate that there is highly significant relationship between the obesity and the study participants' gender, their order in the family, mother education level, and family socio-economic status. While the obesity and the other variables indicated no significant relationship. The results also shows highly significant relationship between the obesity and the index of self esteem. There is a significant relationship between the index of self-esteem domain and the order of student in family, fathers' education level, and socio-economic status. Other variables indicated no significant.

Conclusion: Present study concluded that the most of the secondary schools obese adolescents have self-esteem problem, and percentage of obesity (17.3%).

Recommendation: the study recommends that the students would be given an opportunities to participate in social organizations, conferences, and study projects to promote their level of self-esteem constructing and implementing educational programs for secondary schools teachers about how to decrease obesity among their students. Mass media approach should be employed by the Ministry of education to increase students knowledge and awareness of the obesity as a health problem.