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WHO identifies 9 major health problems that occur in adolescents
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Teenagers aged 10 to 19 are a special group of the population. In addition to purely psychological characteristics of these people, there are numerous features of the body, health and development needs. Unfortunately, many of them are exposed to difficulties and obstacles on the path to healthy development, including poverty, poor health care, and a harmful environment. WHO specialists conducted a study and named 9 main health problems that arise in adolescents.
1. The health status of adolescents
Every fifth person in the world is a teenager, and 85% of all teenagers live in developing countries. About 2/3 of premature deaths and 1/3 of chronic diseases are related to the conditions and lifestyle of the teenager. This includes the negative impact of smoking, alcohol consumption, insufficient physical activity, exposure to violence, early sexual activity. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle, or at least the introduction of educational programs, can help reduce the risks for this group of the population.
2. HIV and adolescents
About 45% of all HIV carriers are young people aged 15 to 24. Therefore, adolescents should know how to protect themselves from HIV and have the opportunity to do so. Access to free consultations and tests can help adolescents understand their health status, get treatment if necessary, and avoid spreading the virus.
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3. Early pregnancy and fertility
About 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 give birth each year, about 11% of all children on the planet. Most cases of early pregnancy occur among teenagers in underdeveloped countries. The risk of death in case of complicated childbirth is significantly higher for teenagers than for adult women. Improved legislation - free access to contraception, age restrictions for marriage, etc. - can improve the situation.
4. Malnutrition
Today, there are two extreme trends that exclude the healthy development of a teenager. These are malnutrition, which affects children in third world countries, and obesity, which affects boys and girls in developed countries. For economically backward countries, the solution to the problem may be the introduction of food aid programs. As for rich countries, they should think about promoting sports, physical activity and healthy eating.
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5. Mental health
At least 20% of teenagers are subject to mental disorders - depression, rapid mood swings, various addictions, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders, etc. Society must take care of the mental state of teenagers - provide the necessary psychological help to those who need it.
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6. Smoking
Most of those who smoke as adults started smoking as teenagers. Today, the number of teenagers who smoke is 150 million, and this figure is growing. Banning cigarette advertising, increasing the price of cigarettes, banning smoking in public places are the most common methods of combating smoking, but they are still not enough to convince young people of the harmful effects of cigarettes.
7. Excessive alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption by teenagers is a terrible modern trend. Alcohol affects the body, weakening self-control, which leads to unpredictable and dangerous events. Excessive alcohol consumption is the cause of accidents, violence, premature death. Methods of struggle - banning alcohol advertising, banning teenagers from accessing alcohol.
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8. Violence
Violence - rape, domestic violence and war - are among the most common causes of death among teenagers worldwide. For every death, there are 20 to 40 visits to health care facilities due to violence. Those who recover from physical injuries are permanently damaged psychologically. To help a teenager get out of this situation, we need to build an effective and caring medical and social system.
9. Injuries and road safety
Carelessness on the road, as well as in everyday life, is another threat to the life and health of teenagers. Inattention leads to serious injuries and even fatalities. Only central and local authorities can help with this by implementing appropriate legislation that could truly protect teenagers.
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