Factors Associated with Perceived Psychosocial Problems and Help-Seeking Practices among Adolescents in Nepal
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Abstract
Adolescents' psychosocial problems are a growing public health concern in both developed and developing countries. Research on this subject is limited in low- and middle-income countries. This paper examines the national scenario for psychosocial problems among adolescents in Nepal using data from the Nepal Adolescents and Youth Survey (NAYS) 2010/11. Findings suggest that approximately 14% of adolescents are suffering from at least one type of psychosocial problem. Common predictors of such problems are female gender, older age and the past experience of physical violence. These problems give rise to anxious feelings, restlessness, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, yet only a small proportion (21.2%) of adolescents sought help for their problems. This low proportion suggests that adolescents' psychosocial problems deserve greater attention from the government and non-governmental sectors.
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