Transitions to adulthood: a national survey of adolescents in Egypt.

The Adolescence and Social Change in Egypt survey conducted in 1997 aimed to examine the transition behavior of adolescents into adulthood within the social context using a holistic approach. About 9128 adolescents and parents were interviewed and it was noted that poor nutrition prevalence of parasitic infections and anemia and other childhood related health problems contributed to the delay in sexual growth and maturation of both sexes. An increase in the access and attendance to basic education was reported although a considerable proportion of girls remains uneducated particularly those belonging to the lower socioeconomic level. Furthermore it was found out that adolescents enter the labor force because of poverty and poor academic performance with most of them subjected to unfair labor practices and potential hazards. Among adolescents knowledge about puberty contraception HIV/AIDS and reproductive issues was gained from observations and media exposure but adolescents prefer to have their parents talk about these with them. Marriage among adolescent girls is still high particularly among those with lower levels of education. Therefore health and education programs must be implemented by the Egyptian government and other nongovernmental organizations in response to the special needs of these adolescents.