Adolescent Rights Fulfilment in Rural Assiut, Egypt

Background:

Adolescence is a critical period for healthy development, yet adolescents in rural Upper Egypt face multiple barriers to fulfilling their basic rights in health, education, protection, and civic participation. National surveys often overlook rural disparities, limiting targeted interventions.

Objectives:

This study aims to assess the extent to which adolescent rights are fulfilled in Beni Adi village, Assiut Governorate. Specific objectives include: (1) assessing adolescents' knowledge and practices related to nutrition, sexual/reproductive health, and mental health; (2) evaluating access to and perceived quality of health services; (3) measuring school enrollment, attendance, and educational barriers; (4) identifying exposure to harmful practices such as FGM, early marriage, child labor, and violence; and (5) assessing adolescents' participation in community activities and decision-making.

Study Design and Setting:

A community-based cross-sectional study will be conducted in Beni Adi village, Manfalut district, Assiut Governorate, Egypt. The village is geographically divided into three sections: Elbahria, Elqyblia, and Elwastenia.

Study Population and Sample:

The target population includes adolescents aged 15-19 years residing in the selected village. A multistage cluster sampling technique will be used: four residential squares will be randomly selected from each geographic section, and 25 eligible adolescents will be invited from each square. The final sample size is approximately 300 adolescents, accounting for design effect and anticipated non-response.

Data Collection:

Data will be collected by the researcher through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The tool covers: (1) socio-demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status (using El-Gilany scale); (2) health domain (knowledge, practices, service access, and barriers); (3) education domain (enrollment, attendance, barriers); (4) protection domain (FGM, early marriage, violence, child labor); and (5) community participation domain (volunteer work, social support, civic engagement).

Statistical Analysis:

Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 21. Descriptive statistics will summarize variables. Inferential statistics (Chi-square, t-test, Mann-Whitney U) will assess associations. Logistic regression will identify predictors of key outcomes. Statistical significance will be set at p<0.05.

Ethical Considerations:

Ethical approval will be obtained from the IRB Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Privacy and confidentiality of data will be strictly maintained. Administrative permissions will be secured from Assiut Health Directorate and local health units prior to fieldwork.

Significance:

Findings will provide evidence on rural adolescent rights gaps, informing policymakers and health planners to design targeted interventions that improve service access, reduce inequalities, and empower adolescents in rural Upper Egypt.

Inclusion criteria

• Adolescents aged 15-19 years (both males and females)
• Permanent residents of Beni Adi village, Manfalut district, Assiut Governorate
• Willing and able to provide informed consent/assent to participate in the study
• Able to communicate and respond to interview questions in Arabic

Exclusion criteria

• Adolescents with severe cognitive impairment or mental health conditions that prevent meaningful participation in the interview
• Temporary visitors or non-residents of Beni Adi village
• Adolescents who decline to provide consent/assent
• Adolescents who are severely ill or unavailable during the data collection period