An exploration of the self-perceived health-related needs of ethnic minority adolescents

The literature suggests that ethnic minority adolescents experience greater demands in their lives than majority adolescents. The study described in this thesis explored the self-perceived health-related needs of ethnic minority adolescents. An adolescent health needs survey, used to prioritize programming for a pilot Comprehensive School Health project at the high school level, provided the data for this study. The needs rated by ethnic minority adolescents were compared to those rated by majority adolescents. Within the minority data, possible differences due to ethno-linguistic group membership, length of residence in Canada, and gender, were also assessed. Results suggest that minority adolescents comprise a distinct group from majority adolescents on the strength of some health needs. Within the minority data, length of residence in Canada was the only distinction to result in significant differences between groups. Ethnic minority adolescents who had lived in Canada for 5 years or less showed higher needs than those who had lived in Canada for 6 or more years. Results support the literature in several areas and suggest the need for assessment and programming which is sensitive to the health-related needs of ethnic minority adolescents, particularly the most recent immigrant group.