Health problems in adolescents

| The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drugs is one of the main causes of injuries, violence and risk behaviors in adolescence

Adolescence, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is established between 10 and 19 years and represents a sixth of the world's population, about 1,200 million people. The usual thing is to enjoy good health in childhood and adolescence. But on this aspect, the WHO shows its concern about adolescent healthas the number of premature deaths and morbidity during adolescence remain considerable.

Main health problems in adolescents

• Early pregnancies: Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for 15-19 year-old girls worldwide. Approximately 11% of the world's births are to adolescent mothers, and the majority are registered in developing countries.
• HIV: There are more than two million adolescents living with HIV in the world. On the African continent, deaths due to the AIDS virus are increasing. The reason is that, despite the greater number of children with HIV who survive and reach the adolescence, not everyone receives the care and support they need to stay healthy and prevent transmission. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 10% of boys and 15% of girls aged 15-24 know their HIV status.
• Mental health: Depression is the mental illness that affects adolescents the most, especially those who are victims of violence and poverty. Programs that help strengthen ties with their families, as well as psychosocial support in schools or other community settings are essential to prevent and detect depressive states in adolescents.
• Violence: it affects mostly boys. In fact, assaults represent 43% of all deaths of adolescent boys in low-income countries. Sexual violence is more frequent among girls. Worldwide, 1 in 10 girls under the age of 20 indicates having suffered sexual violence.
• Alcohol, tobacco and drugs: it is a leading cause of injury, violence, and risky behavior such as unprotected sex or dangerous behavior on the road. One in ten adolescents uses tobacco. Banning the sale of tobacco products to minors, raising the price of those products by taxing them with higher taxes, banning tobacco advertising, and ensuring smoke-free environments are extremely important. The consumption of alcohol and tobacco also affects adult life and life expectancy.
• Malnutrition and obesity: Developing good and physical exercise in adolescence is essential to enjoy good health in adulthood. In developing countries, it is recommended to deworm the intestine regularly to prevent deficiency states.

The rights of the child (under 18 years of age) to survive, grow and develop are set out in various international legal instruments. Work should continue to promote healthy habits and behaviors at this crucial stage of life. Society and governments must better protect young people against the risks that threaten the health of adolescents, as an investment in the future development and prosperity of their societies.

• Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for 15-19 year old girls worldwide.
• It is the mental illness that most affects adolescents, especially those who are victims of violence and poverty.
• The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drugs is one of the main causes of injuries, violence and risk behaviors (unprotected sex or dangerous behavior on the road).

Pediatric Specialist