Overview
Adolescence is a period of multifaceted development between childhood and maturity [1]. It is a peculiar phase of human development and a critical period for setting the groundwork for optimal health. Adolescents increase in physical, cognitive, psychological and social development. Despite being a healthy period of life, adolescence is marked by significant death diseases. A large proportion of the illnesses during the adolescent period are amenable to treatment and are easily preventable. Adolescents form patterns of behaviour throughout this phase, such as those linked to diet, physical exercise, substance use, and sexual activity, that can either safeguard their health or those around them [1]. The world now has the largest population of teenagers globally, with 1.2 billion people aged 10 to 19 years old [3]. The way they develop and flourish has ramifications that span generations. Adolescents require age-appropriate information, comprehensive sex education, chances to acquire life skills. Also, they must have access to health treatments that are acceptable, equitable, appropriate, and adequate to grow and develop in good health [2]. Creating safe and supportive surroundings for adolescents is cardinal to their health. They also require opportunities to actively develop and deliver programs that will help them promote their health [2].
This article will highlight a high-quality e-learning programme on adolescent health. It was devised by NHS Health Education England's e-Learning for Healthcare programme (HEE e-LfH) for medical practitioners who work with children and adolescents.
Adolescent Health From A Global Perspective
About 1.2billion people are aged between 10-19years worldwide [3]. It constitutes the largest population of adolescents in history. Recent studies show that more than 1.5 million adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 24 die yearly, or nearly 5000 every day [2]. Studies also show that Sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Asia, Oceania, South America and the Caribbean had the highest mortality rates among people aged 10–24 years in 2019 [4]. Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa had a 6 times more global risk of dying before reaching 24 than high-income western countries. Of all age groups, young teenagers aged 10–14 years have the lowest death risk [2]. The top causes of death among teenagers and young adults include injuries (particularly car accidents and drowning), violence, self-harm, and maternal illnesses. Research shows that 50 per cent of all mental health illnesses in adults begin before the age of 14; however, most instances go undiagnosed and untreated [2]. Adolescents are more affected by substance use compared to older persons. Early initiation of substance use is linked to a higher chance of developing dependency and other troubles later in life.
Major Health Issues Affecting Adolescents
Mental Health
Mental health disabilities account for 16% of the disease burden in adolescence [2]. Suicide is the third largest cause of death in those aged 15–19 years, and depression is one of the top causes of sickness and disability among teenagers [2]. Adolescents' mental health is influenced by a variety of circumstances. Living in humanitarian and unstable situations might raise the risk of developing mental health disorders due to violence, poverty, stigma, marginalization. Failure to address adolescent mental health issues has long-term effects, affecting the wholeness and mental health; and restricting possibilities to live satisfying lives as adults.
Unintended Injuries
Road traffic accidents claimed the lives of approximately 115 000 teenagers in 2019 [4]. Many of those killed were "vulnerable road users," such as walkers, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders. Unintended injuries are a primary cause of death and illness among adolescents. Road safety rules in many nations should be made more inclusive, and their enforcement must be strengthened. Furthermore, young drivers require safety guidance. Laws against driving while under alcohol or drugs must be strictly enforced across all age groups.
Interpersonal Violence
Violence is the world's fourth-largest cause of death among teenagers and young people [2]. Its importance fluctuates depending on the location. Studies show that violence is responsible for roughly 33 per cent of all adolescent male mortality in many countries in the American continent [2]. Bullying was reported by 42 per cent of adolescent boys and 37 per cent of adolescent girls in a universal school-based student health survey [2]. Sexual violence affects many young people: one in every eight young people reports being sexually abused. Violence increases the susceptibility of adolescents to HIV, STIs, poor academic performance, mental health disorders, adolescent pregnancy and other illnesses.
Adolescent survivors of violence can benefit from practical, continuous and compassionate care to help them cope with the physical and psychosocial effects. Effectual prevention and response schemes that can help stem the tide of adolescent violence include; promoting good-parenting, early childhood development, addressing school-based bullying. Also, institutionalizing life and social skill programmes and minimizing access to alcohol and firearms.
To learn more about the significant problems of adolescence, subscribe to the adolescent health e-training programme for health practitioners.
Highly interactive training on Adolescent health
This training programme on adolescent health was developed by world-renown specialists from many related disciplines. It was approved by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPH), Health Education England e-Learning for Healthcare (HEE e-LfH) and many world-class professional bodies. The high-quality course covers many themes and teen health troubles, including mental health, fitness, self-harm, obesity, sexual health, and communication with teenagers. It has a variety of interactive components, such as case studies, infographics and videos that provide vital insight into the perspectives of young people and healthcare experts on these essential concerns. It is relevant to all health practitioners, including family physicians, paediatricians, nurses and other healthcare workers regardless of your location. The course is accessible online, so you can seamlessly fit the training programme into your hectic schedule. The e-learning programme can be studied alongside the Healthy Child 0-18 Series programmes: the Healthy Child Programme (0 to 5 years) and the Healthy School Child Programme (5 to 12 years). It will help you get a holistic perspective on the subject matter.
You can start the training programme on adolescent health by checking out our website https://www.healthcarelink.com.au/cpd/listing/adolescent-health-training-for-gp-family-medicine-professionals/9478
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