2006-12-31-世界卫生组织-2007_GSHS_Country_Report_Trinidad_and_Tobago_28页_138kb

Summary of the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) 2007 in Trinidad and Tobago

Core Content

The Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) 2007 was conducted in Trinidad and Tobago by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, covering students in Forms 1-4. The survey aimed to collect accurate data on health behaviours and protective factors among students to inform policy development, program establishment, and resource allocation for school and youth health. It also sought to identify trends and enable comparisons across and within countries.

Main Purpose

• To provide accurate data on health behaviours and protective factors among students.
• To help countries develop priorities, establish programs, and advocate for resources for school and youth health.
• To establish trends in health behaviours for evaluation and policy development.
• To enable comparisons across and within countries regarding health behaviours.

Key Findings

Demographics

• Total participants: 2,969 students from 32 schools.
• Gender distribution: 49.8% males, 50.2% females.
• Age distribution: 69.1% aged 13-15, 24.9% in Form 1, 27.2% in Form 4.
• School response rate: 100%, Student response rate: 78%.

Alcohol and Other Drug Use

• Current alcohol use: 40.9% of students.
• Heavy drinking (2+ drinks per day): 42.5% of students.
• Males significantly more likely to engage in heavy drinking (47.9% vs. 36.3%).
• Alcohol purchase: 17.3% of students usually bought alcohol from stores or street vendors.
• Males significantly more likely to buy alcohol (27.1% vs. 7.4%).
• Lifetime alcohol intoxication: 28.0% of students.
• Lifetime drug use: 13.6% of students.
• Males significantly more likely to report lifetime drug use (17.5% vs. 9.6%).

Mental Health

• Suicidal thoughts: 21.5% of females and 14.1% of males reported seriously considering suicide in the past 12 months.
• Loneliness: 14.7% of females and 8.2% of males felt lonely most or always.
• Need for mental health education and early intervention is emphasized.

Physical Activity

• Physical activity levels: Males (25.1%) were more active than females (13.8%) for at least 60 minutes per day over the past week.
• Recommendation: A school health policy should mandate minimum physical activity for all students.

Protective Factors

• Absenteeism: Males (29.1%) were more likely to miss school without permission compared to females (17.3%).
• Parental involvement is crucial for monitoring students’ activities and behaviors.

Sexual Behaviours

• Early sexual activity: Students began engaging in sexual activity around puberty.
• Male sexual activity: 32.0% of males reported having sexual intercourse, and 19.9% had their first sexual experience before age 13.
• Multiple partners: 23.9% of students had multiple sex partners.
• Recent sexual activity: 29.9% of students had sexual intercourse in the past 12 months.
• Recommendation: Health and family life education should be introduced early to delay sexual initiation and prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs.

Violence and Unintentional Injury

• Bullying: 26.6% of males and 7.3% of females reported being bullied frequently.
• Belonging to violent groups: 22.2% of males vs. 10.9% of females.
• Physical fights: 55.9% of males vs. 27.9% of females.
• Serious injuries: 53.6% of males vs. 27.9% of females.
• Recommendation: Conflict management and mediation sessions should be integrated into the school curriculum.

Areas with No Significant Findings

• Dietary Behaviours: No significant findings reported, but the importance of healthy eating and avoiding fast food is highlighted.
• Hygiene Behaviours: No significant findings reported, but the need for improved hygiene practices is emphasized.
• Tobacco Use: No significant findings reported, but the risk of tobacco access to students is noted.

Recommendations

• Introduce health education and promotion at an early age.
• Implement the School Health Policy and establish Comprehensive School Health Services.
• Teach mental health and coping skills as part of the curriculum.
• Involve parents and guardians in promoting healthy behaviors.
• Use mass media to raise awareness and provide solutions to health issues.
• Create a supportive environment for students seeking counseling for substance abuse and mental health.
• Reinforce abstinence messages and encourage delaying sexual initiation.
• Enforce legislation to restrict student access to alcohol and tobacco.
• Place Health and Family Life Education on the curriculum.
• Emphasize healthy lifestyles, including balanced diets, conflict management, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.

Conclusion

The GSHS 2007 provides critical evidence on the health risk behaviours and protective factors among students in Trinidad and Tobago. It underscores the urgent need for the establishment of health promoting schools and adolescent health services. Continued monitoring and intervention are necessary to address the identified issues and improve the overall health of the youth population. A follow-up GSHS is recommended in 2010 to track changes and trends over time.