This study aims to evaluate the needs, interests, and barriers to using the services of a university-based Youth
Clinic in an inner city area of Beirut-Lebanon. The population consisted of 12-22 year old students of schools and universities
located in the targeted area, and of other stakeholders active in the targeted area. We conducted a survey of 629
school students; a survey of 295 first year university students; a focus group with parents and educators; and interviews
with organizations. Results indicated that the preferred means of service delivery for school and university students was
an Internet site for youth health. Their top topic of interest was diet and nutrition. Their preferred location for meeting the
clinic’s staff was the clinic itself. School students preferred being accompanied by friends, university students preferred
being on their own. The top barrier for the students was the ‘feelings of embarrassment and annoyance’. Parents, educators,
and organizations representatives reported a lack of health related services and activities specialized for the youth.
They expressed an urgent need for social and psychological support and for counseling services. Their top topics of interest
were parents-youth relationship, sexual education, smoking, diet and nutrition. Their mostly discussed barrier was the
services’ cost. While students valued a health Internet site and were mostly interested in the topic of diet and nutrition,
parents and educators expressed the need for social and psychological support and for counseling services. Youth Clinics
should assess and tailor their services to the need of their local community.