Assessing the Health and Wellness Needs of Adolescents: A Basis for a Community-Based Intervention Program

Adolescence is a formative period in which health behaviors, coping patterns, and social relationships can influence later well-being. This study assessed the physical, mental, and social wellness needs of adolescents in Cabaruan, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, Philippines, and used the findings as the basis for a community-based intervention program. A descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional design was used. Eighty adolescents aged 14-18 years were selected purposively during a barangay wellness activity and completed a content-validated, researcher-developed questionnaire covering participant characteristics and 30 wellness indicators. Frequencies, percentages, weighted means, and Pearson correlation coefficients were used for analysis at a 0.05 significance level. Overall wellness ratings were high for physical wellness (M = 3.92), mental wellness (M = 3.94), and social wellness (M = 3.86). The lowest-rated physical indicators were regular physical activity (M = 3.10) and consistent avoidance of alcohol and smoking (M = 3.20). Stress management was the lowest-rated mental wellness indicator (M = 3.00), while professional help-seeking, although rated high, was lower than most other mental wellness items (M = 3.60). Conflict resolution and the perceived positive effect of social media on relationships were the lowest-rated social indicators (both M = 3.20). Based on the reported correlation analysis, sex, living arrangement, and access to health services showed significant relationships with wellness, whereas age, educational attainment, household size, and social media use did not reach statistical significance. Based on the identified needs, the METAMORPHOSIS Program was proposed, with EMBRACE for physical wellness, EMPOWER for mental wellness, and EVOLVE for social wellness. The findings support focused community interventions that strengthen physical activity, preventive health behaviors, stress management, help-seeking, conflict resolution, and responsible digital engagement among adolescents.

Adolescent health, community-based intervention, mental wellness, physical wellness

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