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Option 1: The health of young people
This option is concerned with the special health needs of young people. The activities in this module will help you to explore and understand the underlying factors that influence and affect young people's health. To help you understand these factors, three areas will be explored.
To investigate each of these areas, click on the appropriate headings listed below.
What is good health for young people?
Between 12 and 24 years of age, young people will make the transition from childhood to adulthood. This transition is characterised by a series of physical, social, emotional and mental changes. When determining the health status of young people the following influencing forces need to considered:
- the nature of young people's lives
- epidemiology of the health of young people
- the effects of the determinants of health on young people
- developmental aspects that affect the health of young people
To what extent do Australia's young people enjoy good health?
Young people as a group experience relatively good health. However, there are several areas of concern. These include:
- mental health problems and illnesses
- alcohol consumption
- violence <<1_2_3>>
- road safety
- sexual health
- body image
- other relevant/ emerging health issues e.g. gambling, cyber-bullying, party crashes, drink spiking
Note:you are only required to study two of these major health issues that impact on young people in detail.
What skills and actions enable young people to attain better health?
There are a number of skills that assist young people to attain better health. These include:
- building self concept
- developing connectedness and support networks
- developing resilience and coping skills
- developing health literacy skills
- accessing health service
- becoming involved in community service and creating a sense of future
There are also a range of actions which can target health issues relevant to young people. These involve:
- social action <<1_3_2_1>>
- legislation and public policy <<1_3_2_2>>
- health promotion initiatives. <<1_3_2_3>>
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