Promoting adolescent wellness through health education

Abstract

Regarding the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not only as the absence of disease and infirmity. Healthy and safe food is a basic human need and at the same time a condition for good health. To survive and to carry out its normal activity, the organism needs energy, which it receives through safe food products obtained through a balanced quantitative and qualitative diet, and this ensures the well-being of the organism and its preservation from malnutrition and life sedentary, the latter causing most diseases in the world today. WHO data show an increase in obesity among adults in Albania, compared to 10 years ago. Mineral salts and vitamins are food ingredients that play an important role in the vital activity of the organism, in normalizing the functioning of its main systems, and in maintaining the homeostasis of the organism. This paper aims to draw the attention of young people regarding the care they should show for the inclusion of the right quantity and quality, along with other elements of mineral salts and vitamins in their food for a healthy diet. This paper analyzes the results of the questionnaire carried out with the help from the school teachers at a high school in the city of Shkoder, regarding the care they show for a healthy diet. Part of the survey was a group of 340 students in the secondary education in the city of Shkodra, Albania, specifically in the gymnasiums: “Jordan Misja” and “28 Nentori”. Special attention has been paid to the privacy and confidentiality of the data received. A printed questionnaire was used. The questions asked were of a static form (closed-ended), including multiple choice (single and multiple responses) as well as rating scales. After receiving the data, a quantitative analysis of the data was made. At the end of the scientific work, some important conclusions were reached. Young people’s care for their health is not at the right level. There is a complete lack of attention to the description of the product they consume. We think that the results of the questionnaire affect the awareness of young people and their parents, regarding the care they should show in the selection of food products in their diet, for their well-being. The results of the questionnaire show that the awareness of young people and their parents, regarding the care they should show in the selection of food products in their diet is very low.