PROBLEMS FACED BY ADOLESCENT

BY ASMA IDRIS

INTRODUCTION The problems faced by adolescents are

many due to• Changes in their hormonal milieu• Changing ideas and concepts about the

world• Having to cope up with expectations of

society• Need to establish their own identity

FOLLOWING ARE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY ADOLESCENTS:• HEALTH PROBLEMS: NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS: The increased dietary requirements of

growing adolescents if not met adequately can lead to under nutrition.

Under nutrition often delays the onset of puberty and sexual maturation and results in stunting, poor bone mass and reduce work capacity.

Iron deficiency anemia is the commonest deficiency in teenagers.

Poor intake of calcium and deficiency of vitamin D results in low bone mineral density and is more pronounced in underprivileged.Vitamin A deficiency is also an important issue in economically deprived adolescents.

EATING DISORDERS: Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia are being

increasingly reported among urban Indian youth.

LIFESTYLE DISEESAS: Sedentary lifestyle, increase

consumption of calorie dense food and decrease outdoor activity Contribute to health disorders like obesity.

Obesity has a strong association with asthma, sleep disorders, reflex diseases, slipped femoral epiphysis, gall stones, fatty liver, diabetes, hypertension and PCOD.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS:Adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, suicide, delinquent behaviour, poor body image and low self-esteem are the psychological problems faced by adolescents.

SLEEP DISTURBANCES:Poor sleep habits and inadequate sleep are likely to cause day time drowsiness, aggressive behaviour, conduct disorders and restless leg syndromeSleep deprived teens often have periods of subconscious bout of sleep or micro sleeps during day time, making them prone to injuries and accidents.

INFECTIONS:With increased outdoor activity teens are exposed to TB, HIV, STI’s, skin infections and parasitic infections. Various biological (immature and incomplete estrogenized mucosa) and psycho-social factors(lack of preparedness, lack of familiarity with barrier contraceptives) make adolescents susceptible to these infections Skin problems: acne vulgaris is common problem during adolescence.

PROBLEMS SUSCEPTABLE TO FEMALES:GENITAL INFECTION AND SEXUALLY TRASNMITTED INFECTIONS:Vaginal discharge common in adolescent girls may signify physiological leucorrhoea of puberty or endogenous STI.Vulvovaginits , cervicitis , pelvic inflammatory disease

Cervicitis is STD which can extend proximally resulting in endometritis and salpingitis

COMMON MENSTRUAL DISORDERS•Dysmenorrhea- manifests as lower abdominal cramps or back pain during menstruation.•Premenstrual syndrome(PMS)- physical and psychological symptoms 7-10 days before menstruation ex. Weight gain, abdominal bloating, constipation ,irritability etc.•Dysfunctional uterine bleeding- irregular, excessive, prolonged painless uterine bleeding where no organic cause is detected.

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME:•Most common reproductive endocrinopathy• Heterogenous condition

•Menstrual irregularities• Hyperandrogenism• Central obesity•Multiple small follicles in ovary

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

PROBLEMS SPECIFIC TO MALES:The common problems encountered during adolescents are penile problems, scrotal problems, voiding dysfunctions and infections.SUBSTANCE ABUSE:Tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and opium are the most common substance abuse.Addicts are more prone to accidents, injuries, violence, HIV, hepatitis C, etc.

•VULNERABILITY :Abuse and violence – Road traffic accidents, burns,poisoningMigration – traffiking of youth, prostitutions , HIVAdolescent pregnancy – unsafe abortions, septicemia, pre eclampsia, high mortalityLack of sex education – abortions , HIV , sexually transmitted diseases

• ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCAL CHALLENGES:

Pollution – cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Peer pressure – cigarette smoking, alcoholism, drugs etc.

Poverty – depression, antisocial behaviour, malnourishment.

Illiteracy – child labour , juvenile delinquency etc.

Academic and emotional stressEarly marriages – increased risk of STDs, cervical cancer, high risk pregnancy Discrimination – emotional and psychological stress

THANK

YOU