Issues in adolescent health: A challenge for nursing
M J Nicol
Associate Professor, Division of Nursing, Universal College of Learning (UCOL), Palmerston North, New Zealand
H Manoharan
Lecturer, Division of Nursing, Universal College of Learning (UCOL), Palmerston North, New Zealand
MJ Marfell-Jones
Professor, Division of Exercise Science, Universal College of Learning (UCOL), Palmerston North, New Zealand
K Meha-Hoerara
Student Health Nurse, Division of Student Health & Counselling Services, Universal College of Learning (UCOL), Palmerston North, New Zealand
R Milne
Programme Coordinator, Division of Nursing, Universal College of Learning (UCOL), Palmerston North, New Zealand
M O'Connell
Lecturer, Division of Nursing, Universal College of Learning (UCOL), Palmerston North, New Zealand
J Olliver
Professional Head of Nursing, Division of Nursing, Universal College of Learning (UCOL), Palmerston North, New Zealand
B Teekman
Programme Coordinator, Division of Nursing, Universal College of Learning (UCOL), Palmerston North, New Zealand
PP: 155 - 163
Abstract
The young people of today are the greatest investment we as adults have in our future. The care and nurturing we afford the adolescent is just as important as that which we afford to children or the elderly. Although most adolescents have a preoccupation with their bodies, they do not always engage in activities that will protect and develop them. Adolescents are often exposed to peer pressure, the effects of which may impact negatively on their behaviour and their health. Many adolescent health and behavioural issues evolve from developmental changes and can manifest in a confrontational attitude toward society, parents and others. They are hormonally 'fully charged', and their adolescent sexuality can have enormous effects on their future physical, psychosocial, moral and sexual development.
Nurses have a pivotal role to play in ensuring children and adolescents learn the facts relating to the consequences of engaging in unhealthy behaviour and lifestyle. Nurses must also encourage parents to model and reinforce good health practices, such as serving balanced and nutritious meals at regular times and planning positive family activities. In this paper we review some of the salient issues in adolescent health today.
Keywords
adolescence; adolescent health; risk factors; obesity
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