2006-12-31-世界卫生组织-2007_GSHS_Country_report_Jordan_59页_265kb

Summary of Jordan Global School-based Student Health Survey 2007

Introduction and Purpose

The Jordan GSHS 2007 survey monitored health risk behaviors and protective factors to inform policies and programs for school and youth health. It used a clustered sampling design, with 2,197 participants (49.5% female), and aimed to track trends in behaviors like dietary intake, hygiene, mental health, physical activity, tobacco use, HIV-related knowledge, and violence.

Key Findings

• Dietary Behaviors: 14.3% of students were at risk for overweight, and 3.9% were overweight. High consumption of fast food (14.6%) and carbonated soft drinks (38.1%) was common, while only 35.8% drank milk or milk products daily. About 34.9% tried to lose weight, and 14.1% reported hunger due to insufficient food at home.
• Hygiene: Poor hand washing was prevalent (7.4% never/rarely washed before eating), and only 6.8% used soap habitually. 58.6% lacked access to clean drinking water at school, and unclean school toilets affected 72.2% of respondents.
• Mental Health: High percentages indicated feelings of loneliness (15.7%), worry impacting sleep (18.4%), and suicidal ideation (18.0%), with significant gender disparities (more common in females).
• Physical Activity: Insufficient activity was widespread (83.5% on average), with 39.3% spending excessive time sedentary, and 14.3% meeting minimum active minutes daily.
• Sexual Behaviors and HIV: 84.9% had heard of HIV/AIDS, but only 56.1% received education about it. Most agreed that avoiding casual sex protects against HIV, though prevention knowledge was limited.
• Tobacco Use: 15.6% admitted smoking cigarettes; 20.8% used other tobacco forms, with higher rates among males. 75.3% were exposed to smoking in their environment, and parental use was common (50.2%).
• Violence and Injury: 46.7% experienced physical fights, with injuries affecting 43.7%; males were disproportionately impacted, and bullying was reported by 41.6%.
• Protective Factors: 39.1% missed school without permission, and only 36.5% felt school peers were kind and helpful. Parental involvement was low, with inadequate support for homework or free time activities.

Conclusions

The survey identified significant health risks among Jordanian youth, including rising overweight, sedentary behaviors, poor hygiene, mental health challenges, substance use, and violence. Comparisons with 2004 data showed stability or slight changes in prevalence, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance.

Recommendations

• Enhance health education programs on nutrition, hygiene, and HIV prevention.
• Strengthen school policies and enforcement for tobacco-free and violence-free environments.
• Improve mental health services and peer support to address loneliness and suicide risks.
• Increase physical activity opportunities and reduce sedentary behaviors.
• Engage communities and families to support student health through education and coordination.