Lena Sanci1, Marianne Webb2, Jane Hocking3. 1. MBBS, PhD, FRACGP, Associatezzm321990Professor, Department of General Practice,zzm321990Melbourne Medical School; Faculty of Medicine,zzm321990Dentistry and Health Sciences, University ofzzm321990Melbourne, Vic. l.sanci@unimelb.edu.au 2. PhD scholar, Masters Youth Healthzzm321990& Education Management, Department of Generalzzm321990Practice, Melbourne Medical School; Faculty ofzzm321990Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Universityzzm321990of Melbourne, Vic. webbm@unimelb.edu.au 3. BAppSc, MPH, MHlthSc, PhD,zzm321990Professor, Melbourne School of Population andzzm321990Global Health; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry andzzm321990Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Vic.zzm321990j.hocking@unimelb.edu.au
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is characterised by rapid changes in physical, cognitive, emotional and social development, and by experimentation and risk-taking, extending from the age of approximately 10 years into the early adult years. Developmental milestones achieved include a sense of identity, autonomy, a value system, peer relationships and financial independence. However, for around one in four adolescents, risktaking and mental health issues threaten healthy biopsychosocial development. Such risks are rarely detected in clinical practice without deliberate assessment within a youth-friendly framework. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to provide an update on risk-taking behaviours in adolescence and highlight tips for re-orienting general practice towards youth-friendly preventive care for adolescents. Discussion: General practice remains the health service most often accessed by young people and has important functions of engaging young people, providing positive experiences of healthcare, detecting risk and protective factors, and intervening early to promote healthy development. Future health system developments must ensure general practice has adequate time and support to provide effective preventive adolescent healthcare.
Background: Adolescence is characterised by rapid changes in physical, cognitive, emotional and social development, and by experimentation and risk-taking, extending from the age of approximately 10 years into the early adult years. Developmental milestones achieved include a sense of identity, autonomy, a value system, peer relationships and financial independence. However, for around one in four adolescents, risktaking and mental health issues threaten healthy biopsychosocial development. Such risks are rarely detected in clinical practice without deliberate assessment within a youth-friendly framework. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to provide an update on risk-taking behaviours in adolescence and highlight tips for re-orienting general practice towards youth-friendly preventive care for adolescents. Discussion: General practice remains the health service most often accessed by young people and has important functions of engaging young people, providing positive experiences of healthcare, detecting risk and protective factors, and intervening early to promote healthy development. Future health system developments must ensure general practice has adequate time and support to provide effective preventive adolescent healthcare.
Authors: Dorota Kleszczewska; Joanna Mazur; Katarzyna Porwit; Anna Kowalewska Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-31 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: William Gilmore; Tanya Chikritzhs; Hamish McManus; John Kaldor; Rebecca Guy Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-02-19 Impact factor: 4.614