A qualitative study of adolescents, parents and key informants' experiences towards the importance of peer groups

Zohreh Shahhosseini; Masomeh Simbar; Ali Ramezankhani

Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences

The Official Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

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A qualitative study of adolescents, parents and key informants' experiences towards the importance of peer groups

Author(s):

Zohreh Shahhosseini¹,

Masomeh Simbar

^2,*,

Ali Ramezankhani³

1Department of Reproductive Health, Nursing and Midwifery School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

2Department of Reproductive health and Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3Department of Health education, Health School, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences:Vol. 1, issue 1; 59-65

Published online:Jan 28, 2014

Article type:Research Article

Received:Sep 09, 2013

Accepted:Oct 23, 2013

How to Cite:Zohreh ShahhosseiniMasomeh SimbarAli RamezankhaniA qualitative study of adolescents, parents and key informants' experiences towards the importance of peer groups.J Nurs Midwifery Sci.2014;1(1):e141422.

Abstract

Background and Purpose: One landmark of adolescence is the increasing value young people place on friendship and relationship with peers.The aim of this study was to determine adolescents and key informants’ perceptions and experiences regarding to importance of peer groups.
Methods: Sixty-seven female adolescents (12–19 years) and 11 key informants, recruited from urban and rural areas from Sari in the North of Iran using non-probability sampling, participated in eight focus group discussions and semi structured interviews. All tape-recorded data was fully transcribed and thematic analysis was done to identify key themes.
Results: Qualitative content analysis demonstrated five original categories related to importance of peer group in adolescents health including:Acceptance in peer group, Support from friends, Providing the appropriate conditions for healthy relationships with the opposite sex, Positive patterns of friendship and Avoiding from unfavorablefriends.
Conclusion: Peers can have either positive or negative effects on adolescent’s health. To have the most positive impact on adolescent health, parents and community organizations must work together in a comprehensive approach.

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