2010-12-31-世界卫生组织-2011_GSHS_Fact_Sheet_Saint_Kitts_and_Nevis_2页_94kb

Summary of 2011 Saint Kitts & Nevis Global School-based Student Health Survey

The 2011 Saint Kitts & Nevis Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) evaluated dietary behaviors, hygiene practices, mental health status, physical activity levels, protective factors, sexual behaviors, and violence/unintentional injuries among students aged 13-15. Students in Forms 2-4 participated in a school-based survey with a 70% student response rate, involving 1740 participants. The survey used a probability-proportional-to-enrollment sampling method and self-reported data through computer-scannable answer sheets.

Key findings highlight significant public health concerns:

• Dietary Behaviors: A high percentage of students were overweight (32.5%) or obese (14.4%), with frequent consumption of carbonated soft drinks (around 61.6%), indicating poor nutritional habits and potential risks for chronic diseases.
• Hygiene Practices: Suboptimal hygiene was common, with low rates of daily tooth cleaning (about 3.9%) and infrequent hand washing after using the toilet (around 3.1%), suggesting increased susceptibility to infections.
• Mental Health: Alarmingly high levels of suicidal ideation (16.4%) and attempts (13.9%) were reported, along with a significant portion feeling isolated (11.0% had no close friends), pointing to mental health crises.
• Physical Activity: Unmet recommended guidelines were evident, with only 25.6% engaging in sufficient physical activity, and high sitting times (58.4%) contributing to sedentary behavior risks.
• Protective Factors: Students frequently missed classes without permission (37.4%), and parental support and supervision were lacking, with few having parents who understood their worries (25.8%) or guided their free time (33.8%), potentially exacerbating vulnerabilities.
• Sexual Behaviors: Nearly a third (31.7%) had sexual intercourse, with early initiation documented for boys (46.7% had first sex before age 14), and concerns over condom use (only 52.5%) increasing risks of STIs or unintended pregnancies.
• Violence and Unintentional Injury: High incidences were observed, including 37.8% involved in physical fights, 47.1% experiencing injuries, and 22.7% bullied, indicating widespread exposure to violence.

This survey underscores the need for targeted interventions to address obesity, mental health challenges, hygiene improvement, and safety in schools for Saint Kitts & Nevis youth.