engleski

Health literacy improvement of the 8th grade students of the Elementary School "R. K. Jeretov Opatija" on communication, emotions and reproductive health

Aim: To assess and improve health literacy (HL) on communication, emotions and reproductive health of 8th grade students of the Elementary School "R. K. Jeretov Opatija". Examinees and methods: During 2016 and 2017, a cycle of workshops was held for the 8th grade students. Prior to the workshops, approvals of the directors of the School and the Institute and parents were obtained. In 2016, 51 students (31 girls and 20 boys) participated in the workshops, while in 2017 there were 69 (33 girls and 36 boys). Work in a small group was selected as a method. Students were divided into sub-groups of girls and boys. Workshops were held in the school library through three thematic meetings using general-to-specific approach. An anonymous survey was completed before the start and at the end of the workshops-cycle. Results: Gender differences are noted. Girls think they know more about emotions (z=2.15, p<0.05), and boys think they know more about sex (z=2.60, p<0.01). Boys feel more comfortable about their body (z=2.17, p<0.05). Mutual respect in a relationship is more important to girls (z=2.40, p<0.05). In both genders there are sexually active individuals. The workshops were graded as useful (96%). Average rating (M) was 4.93. Conclusion: The HL improvement activities should be placed in developmental and contextually adequate environments that will actively involve adolescents in the learning process. Sexuality in the 21st century should not be a taboo. Health literacy changes health behavior. Possible direction for future action may be the strengthening of extracurricular activities.

health literacy ; elementary school ; communication ; emotions, reproductive health

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