Adolescent Health: The Point I Decided For This Investigatio

Adolescent Health The point I decided for this investigation is youthful wellbeing

The focus of this investigation is adolescent health, specifically the well-being and health challenges faced by teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2017), a significant majority of adolescents between the ages of 12-17 enjoy good health, with 82.8% reporting they are in excellent condition. However, despite this positive indicator, a notable proportion of teenagers experience health-related issues. For instance, 5.6% of this demographic have missed at least 11 days of school or work due to illness or injury. Furthermore, research from 2015 reveals that 20.6% of adolescents are dealing with obesity, while 3.4% are smokers and 9.2% are consuming alcohol. Additionally, access to healthcare remains a concern as around 4.8% of this population find it difficult to access medical services.

The mortality rates among adolescents are also alarming. A 2017 study identified 10,886 deaths among youth aged 15-19 years. The CDC’s (2017) investigation further indicated that in 2018, adolescents accounted for 51.1% of deaths per 100,000 individuals, with causes including suicide, homicide, and accidents. These statistics highlight the urgent need to address the health disparities and threats faced by young people during this critical developmental phase.

Adolescence is a pivotal period characterized by significant physical, social, and psychological development. It is also a time of experimentation, which can lead to long-term negative health outcomes. Risk behaviors such as early sexual activity can expose adolescents to sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Substance abuse---including alcohol, drugs, and tobacco---poses additional health risks, potentially causing lasting harm. Poor nutrition choices during this period may lead to dietary deficiencies and obesity, further complicating health outcomes.

The U.S. government recognizes these issues and has initiated programs aimed at promoting healthy behaviors and preventing negative health outcomes among adolescents. Despite these efforts, disparities persist. Adolescents from low-income backgrounds often face higher exposure to risky behaviors and have limited access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and safe community environments (Brindis & Moore, 2014). These social determinants significantly influence adolescent health outcomes and require targeted intervention strategies.

Improving Adolescent Health Policy

The approach I selected for this investigation is Improving Adolescent Health Policy. This policy framework was developed to support teenagers in making informed decisions about their health and behavior. It aims to guide adolescents through available options, emphasizing positive conduct and health outcomes. According to the CDC (2017), the policy's guidelines are informed by expert research in healthcare, public health, and behavioral sciences, drawing on data collected from healthcare providers and community programs to shape effective strategies.

This policy seeks to achieve several critical objectives related to adolescent health. Brindis et al. (2016) state that there are six primary goals, including enhancing access to healthcare services for teenagers, promoting a supportive environment for healthy development, and encouraging educational initiatives that teach youth about health and wellness. The policy also advocates for increased community involvement and school-based programs to foster healthy behaviors, as well as improving healthcare workforce training to address adolescent-specific health issues.

By fostering collaboration between public health agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and communities, the policy aims to ensure that adolescents receive comprehensive health support. It emphasizes culturally sensitive care, recognizing the importance of addressing racial and ethnic disparities. The expansion of healthcare funding dedicated to adolescent health services is a pivotal element of this policy, ensuring that resources are allocated to improve service delivery and reach vulnerable populations, including pregnant teenagers and young mothers (Brindis et al., 2016).

The policy has evolved to accommodate the unique needs of youth. For example, it has increased the number of healthcare professionals trained specifically in adolescent health, ensuring that providers are equipped to handle issues like mental health, substance abuse, sexual health, and chronic disease management. These improvements are vital for fostering long-term health and well-being during the transition from adolescence into adulthood.

Conclusion

Addressing adolescent health requires a multifaceted approach that combines policy initiatives, community engagement, and healthcare system improvements. The Improving Adolescent Health Policy presents a comprehensive framework to tackle key health issues faced by young people, emphasizing prevention, access, and culturally competent care. As adolescents represent a significant segment of the population, investing in their health today is essential for fostering healthier adults and reducing long-term healthcare costs. Continued focus on policy refinement, resource allocation, and community involvement will be crucial in ensuring that every adolescent has the opportunity to achieve optimal health outcomes.

References

• Brindis, C., & Moore, K. (2014). Improving adolescent health policy. Annual Review of Public Health, 35(1), 339–356.
• Brindis, C., Ozer, E., Handley, M., Knopf, D., Millstein, S., & Irwin, C. (2016). Improving adolescent health policy. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1–126.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Youth risk behavior survey. CDC.
• Guttmacher Institute. (2018). Talking about Sex: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health. Guttmacher Report.
• Hiscock, R., & Causton-Theoharis, J. (2017). Addressing health disparities in adolescent health. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 10(4), 1–10.
• Kirby, D. (2016). Sex Education: Attitudes and Effectiveness. Journal of School Health, 86(2), 79–86.
• Lee, J., & Bolognese, M. (2019). Social determinants of adolescent health. Pediatrics, 144(2), e20190420.
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2020). Adolescent health and development facts.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). The Adolescent Health Program. Federal Policies and Initiatives.
• WHO. (2019). Adolescent health: Key fact sheet. World Health Organization.