Question

The adolescent stage is dynamic and fraught with changes. How does growth and developmental level influence health and health-related decisions?

Answer 1

The appearance of certain health problems in adolescence which includes substance use disorders, mental disorders and injuries reflects both biological changes of puberty and the social condition which the people are growing up.

Main health issues are

-injuries: many adolescence die as a result of road accidents. Drowning is also a cause of death in adolescents.

-mental health: depression is a common cause of illness and disability in adolescents. Poverty ,violence, feeling of dis valued and humiliation can increase the risk of mental health problems.

-violence: interpersonal violence is a third cause of death in adolescents.Promoting a good relationship between parents and children in the early childhood, reducing access to alcohol, firearms can reduce death and violence among adolescents.

-HIV /AIDS: a better access to HIV testing and counselling links to HIV treatment for those who tested positive for HIV needed.

-alcohols and drugs: drinking alcohol reduces self control, and increases dangerous risky behaviours. Setting a minimum age for buying and consuming alcohol can reduce the harmful effects of drinking.

-undernutrition and obesity : many girls and boys in the adolescence age are undernourished. This is mainly because of psychological view that they may gain the weight. On the other end a number of adolescents are obese and gain their weight.

-nutritional diseases: iron deficiency anaemia is leading cause of death and disability in adolescents.

-Physical activity: physical activity provides health benefits for adolescents.WHO recommends adolescence to do a 60-minute moderate to vigorous physical activity. Prevalence of inactivity is high, it is higher in females than in males.