Adolescents and Young Adults 15-24 Years Old

Author: Jenkins, C. David

Source: Building Better Health: A Handbook of Behavioral Change, Building Better Health: A Handbook of Behavioral Change , pp. 79-108(30)

Publisher: Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

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Abstract:

Better Health: A Handbook of Behavior Change is a one-of-a-kind manual for communities to reduce disease, disability, and premature death throughout the life cycle. This chapter of the book discusses how to revisit health principles in adolescence. Major health problems at ages 15-24 are presented together with mortality and morbidity data. The risks behaviors for youth are discussed: alcohol, tobacco, unsafe sexual behavior, illegal drugs, lack of regular exercise, unhealthy eating habits, and psychological concerns. The psychosocial foundations of most health problems at ages 15-24 and values to overcome health vulnerabilities are also part of this section. The so called "universal vaccine", education is thoroughly defended and a complete screening checklist for ages 15 to 24 by interview and observation supplements the chapter.

Keywords: Health Promotion; Disease Prevention; Causes of death; Risk factors; Mortality; Education; Health Education; Alcohol; Tobacco; Sexual behavior; Drugs; Nutrition; Exercise; Psychological factors; Adolescent Health