Adolescence on the health agenda

Abstract

This document discusses the importance of adolescent health and the reasons why it should be included in the health agenda. As Ingersoll defines adolescence as "a period of personal development during which a young person must establish a personal sense of individual identity and feelings of self-worth which include: alteration of body image; adaptation to more mature intellectual abilities; adjustments to societys demands for behavioral maturity; internalizing a personal value system; and preparing for adult roles". This developmental period entails so much in which the need to protect and care is very essential. But in the medical circles the perspective on adolescents and their health is likely to depend on the position of the viewer as to the reality of adolescent health issues. The different views held by pediatricians and adult physicians suggest a potential for professional tensions around adolescent health. Due to this problem there is now consensus that young adults should receive health care in adult-oriented settings. Three concepts underpin this transition. First is the need to understand that the culture of child health and adult medicine providers are different and that practices thought appropriate in one setting may not be valuable in the other. Second is to appreciate the distinction between physical event of transfer from a pediatric to an adult setting and the process of transition. Third is to recognize that normal adolescent development can be at odds with the appropriate expectations of parents doctors and nurses.