Relationship between health consumer knowledge and health focus of early adolescents

The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between health consumer knowledge and the health focus of early adolescents. Forty-four seventh grade students completed pre- and posttest in coordination with the presentation of a health consumer teaching unit designed by the investigator. Scores were calculated regarding health consumer knowledge, medicine/drug attitudes, health locus of control and sources of health information. The scores were subjected to analysis using t-tests and Pearson's R correlations. A relationship between health consumer knowledge and health focus was nonconclusive. Findings regarding drug/medicine attitudes were highly significant. A need to initiate teach to avert over-the-counter drug abuse/misuse was recognized. The complex interplay of varying cognitive, affective and behavior components affecting health focus were acknowledge. The role of nurse in presenting health consumer information to assist clients toward self-responsibility and compliance in health care was emphasized.