Adolescent Health

Adolescent Health

Definition of Adolescence

·        Developmental period between childhood and adulthood

·        Age of majority in NZ = 20 years

·        WHO definitions:

o   Adolescents: 10 – 19

o   Youth: 15 – 24

o   10 – 24: Young people

Demographics

·        Young people are the only age group whose health status has not improved in the last 40 years

·        Current issues:

o   Accidents and injuries

o   Mental health issues

o   Health risk behaviours: smoking, alcohol, drugs, sex

o   Chronic illness: eg obesity, asthma, diabetes, etc

·        Access to health services for adolescents fragmented – fall between child and adult services