JEELUNA® is a national school-based study that was carried out in all 13 regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the year 2011-2012. Through a multistage cluster random sampling technique, intermediate and secondary school students from all over the country were invited to participate. Over 12,000 adolescents participated. Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire, clinical anthropometric measurements, and laboratory investigations. The survey covered 11 domains addressing health risk behaviors and health status and needs.
Through the JEELUNA® study, indicators for the health status of adolescents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been identified and reflect the urgent need for addressing the unmet needs of adolescents. JEELUNA® provides solid evidence for policy and decision makers, communities, schools, and parents to take the necessary measures to promote the health and well-being of this population.
Upstream approaches addressing policy and system’s approach to adolescent health care, along with downstream approaches addressing individual behaviors and choices are both necessary and will positively impact adolescents’ health and future adult health outcomes.