Prof.Dr. I.

Dudani

HOD
Department of Community Medicine
 theLatin verb 'adolescere', which
means, "to grow up." It can be defined as
the transitional stage of development
between childhood and full adulthood,
representing the period of time during
which a person is biologically adult but
emotionally not at full maturity. It
represents the period of time during
which a juvenile matures into adulthood.
 Adolescence is a phase of rapid growth and
development during which physical, sexual
and emotional changes occur. Adolescents
are not homogeneous group and their needs
vary with their gender, stage of development,
life circumstances and the socio economic
conditions in which they live.

WHO, along with its partners, UNICEF and

UNFPA, advocate an accelerated approach to
promoting the health and development of
adolescents and young people in the second
decade of life
 Universal concerns Old age
Philosophic

Self-esteem, Capability
Ability to influence course of Middle age
events

Concern for family,

friends and others
Young adult

Self-
protection
Identity
Adolescence
Security
Self Childhood
Preservati
on
 Period 10-19 years characterized
by:

1.Appearance of secondary sex

characteristics to adulthood
2. Change in psychological, social and
mental process
3. Sense of identification, new
relationship with opposite sex, may
develop tobacco, alcohol or drug use
A. Early adolescence: 10-13 years
Spurt of growth- physical, sexual and
mental
B. Mid adolescence: 14-16 years
Strong sense of identity, relates more
to peer group.
Thinking becomes more reflective
C. Later adolescence: 17-19 years
Develops fully
Have more settled ideas and opinion
1. Change from physical, emotional and
psychological to adulthood
2. They are at risk of Unwanted pregnancy,
STDs/AIDS, Drug addiction, Smoking
etc. (Develop risk behavior)
3. Mental health problems- Depression,
Neurosis
4. Suffer from early and unprotected Sex
5. For those who are not in school have
more morbidity and mortality-
Malnutrition, TB, Rheumatic heart
disease etc.
 Rebellion: Rebelsagainst his or her parents
for independence and freedom. Reject
opinion, attitude and advice of parents.
Accuse them of being old fashioned or out
of touch.

Concern about looking good: looking for

own identity. Spent more time in bathroom
and bedroom, experiment with many ways
of looking.
 Increased peer group allegiance:
peer group friendship become very
important and a lot of time is spent in
company of friends. This influence
adolescent's behavior, appearance and
ways of speaking etc.

Increased Sex Drive:

Major characteristics of adolescent. Due
hormonal changes and sexual
development they become more
interested in sexual matters . All
adolescents need clear information and
guidance regarding sexual development,
and about forming close relationships.
 IncreasedAggressive Drive: Become
more assertive in making demands
from adults.When they do not get their
own way, they may become more
physically resistant and threatening.

Mood Swing : Due to physical and

hormonal changes their mood change
rapidly.

Unpredictable Attitudes and Opinions:

Try out varieties of attitude and
behavior.
 Adolescence are often thought of as a
healthy group. However many
adolescence die prematurely due to
accidents, suicide, violence, pregnancy
related complication and other illness
that are preventable and treatable. Many
more suffer chronic ill health or
disability. Many serious diseases in
adulthood have their roots in
adolescence for eg. Tobacco use,
STI(HIV),poor eating and exercise habits
lead to illness later in life.
1. Confidential Counseling and Health
Services
2. Keep record of Growth and
Development, also of Behavior
3. School health services-
Comprehensive
4. Support of Community, Family and
Youth leaders