The Effectiveness of a Pubertal Preparedness Intervention Among Adolescent Boys

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of Pubertal Preparedness Program among adolescent boys using a between-within experimental design, employed on a sample of N=58 adolescent boys by forming two groups of participants. i.e., Experimental and control group. Then, the participants from local school were randomly allocated to either experimental or control group using single blind procedure. On the sample, pre, post and then follow-up assessment was done on quality of life scale (QOLs) for children in puberty to evaluate the changes in quality of life of the participants over time. The intervention consisted of pubertal preparedness program comprised of 6 sessions. The intervention was provided based on pubertal preparedness program which was originally developed on “Adolescent education”, “Mera Jism Mera Hai”, and “Bachon Ki Hifazat” which were adapted indigenously. The rationale of this intervention was to provide awareness about pubertal changes, teaching the child about appropriate and inappropriate touch and ensuring self-defense in case of impending sexual damage. The intervention sessions were administered over a period of one week on a daily basis, with each session lasting for 45-60 minutes. The experimental group was given pubertal preparedness program, and the control group did not receive any treatment. The descriptive statistics are run to assess such as Means, Standard Deviations, Percentages and Frequencies. Mixed factorial MANCOVA was used to assess between and within group effect. The results indicate that pubertal preparedness programs can be effective at enhancing the overall quality of life of the adolescent boys.