What is Adolescent Health?
Adolescence is a critical transitional period between childhood and adulthood, typically occurring from ages 10 to 19. During this time, young individuals undergo significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. It plays a crucial role in establishing a foundation for lifelong health, as adolescents develop habits related to diet, physical activity, substance use, and sexual behavior that can influence their health now and in the future.
- Menstrual health and hygiene
- Contraception and family planning
- Early sexual initiation
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), e.g. HPV infection
- Gender identity and sexual orientation issues
Nutrition and body image
- Obesity and overweight
- Eating disorders, e.g. anorexia, bulimia, binge eating
- Body dissatisfaction and negative body image
- Unhealthy dieting practices
- Influence of social media on body image
Mental Health and Wellness
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety disorder
- Stress and coping issues
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation
- Drug abuse and addiction
- Peer pressure and social anxiety
Reference
- 認識青春期 – 香港家庭計劃指導會. (n.d.). https://www.famplan.org.hk/zh/resources/sexuality-education-resources/classroom-and-quiz/detail/PUB06
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Board on Children, Youth, and Families; Committee on the Neurobiological and Socio-behavioral Science of Adolescent Development and Its Applications; Backes EP, Bonnie RJ, editors. The Promise of Adolescence: Realizing Opportunity for All Youth. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2019 May 16. 2, Adolescent Development. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545476/
- Common health issues of adolescents & teenagers: Valleywise. Valleywise Health. (2023, August 29). https://valleywisehealth.org/blog/what-are-common-health-problems-of-a-teenager-today/
- World Health Organization. (n.d.-b). Mental health of adolescents. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
- World Health Organization. (n.d.-a). Adolescent health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/adolescent-health#tab=tab_1