WHAT IS GOOD HEALTH FOR YOUNG PEOPLE?

The Nature of Young Peoples Lives

Transition from Childhood to Adulthood
- between ages of 12 24
- known as Adolescence
Characteristics of Adolescence
- rapid physical, social, emotional and mental changes
- Growth in maturity
- Moving from dependence to independence
- Developing skills (decision making, problem solving) as they face new challenges
- High level of risk taking and experimentation (due to changes and challenges)
- Learning to take personal responsibility for their own wellbeing
- Developing a sense of self (Who am I? comes with growing up and developing
own identity)
Young people are a diverse group
In terms of:
Development stages individuals mature at different rates with growth spurts affecting some
earlier than others. Emotional maturity may not match physical maturity. E.g. an older person
being immature towards others.
Level of motivation is a result of mental attitude and emotional maturity. Can be altered by
personal life experiences, family values etc. (adolescents are often labeled as lazy or
unmotivated because their habits and values concerning leisure time conflict with those of
others
Socioeconomic Background Inequality in the distribution of wealth means that some
young individuals will have limited opportunities compared to others. (Social determinants)
Socio-cultural Background Multicultural = mix of beliefs, values, customs and traditions
influence young peoples lifestyle (Social factors = gender, sexual orientation, peer
relationships, education, employment, aboriginality, media, geographic location and ethnic
group)
Family Influence young peoples experience of what a family life is varied (single parent?)
(Acronym = Dont Look So Sad Friend?)
Influenced by a range of prevailing youth cultures
Youth culture of its own makes them unique from other age groups. There are a variety of
different subcultures/subgroups within these youth cultures.
Youth culture groups:
- Assist in formation and confirmation of a young persons identity
- enable them to express their feelings about the world
- a way for them to resist the established order (refuse to conform)
- Creates own language and lifestyle to live by (excluding adults and non members)
- Dictates behaviours and looks that identify themselves to society
Examples of subculture groups = punk, emo, goth etc.
Groups can have positive / negative effects on young people
Positive = health conscious (diet/physical activity) community participation, motivation,
provide support, feeling of belonging
Negative = risk taking behaviours, non participation in physical activity, competitive dieting
and anti social behaviour.
However, core values of adolescence still primarily reflect the values of their parents/family
when it comes to basic issues

The influence of Global events and Trends

Globalisation complex forces that trend towards a single world society.
The impact of globalization, technological advances in communication may influence how
young people view the world (violent, unsafe, cause increasing concern for humanity and the
environment.) and can desensitize young people to death and warfare.
Trends from other cultures may influence clothing, recreational activities, music, sports etc.
- world news = informs of whats happening around the world, making young people to
become overly concerned.
Global Event/ Trend
Mass communication
-internet and computing
-mobile phones
-email
-Sms
-television
Environmental Issues

Economics / finances
Oil prices increase, stock
market, concept that there is
a bigger gap between
wealthy and poor
Travel

Positive Impact on young

people
-able to receive info from
around the world
-provides instant global
connection

Negative impact on young

people
-privacy issue
-info overload (excessive
worry)
-viruses

-can take action and make

improvements
-protect yourself and your
health
-more aware and more
concerned about the impact
of our lives on the
environment
-extending understanding
about economics and the
expenses of living
-greater resources
-access to increased
standard of living
-build up desire to experience
other cultures and go to other
locations
-gain insight
-better personal intercultural
relationships
-greater awareness
-fulfilling personal wants
-socially conscious and
culturally sensitive

-excessive concern
-living in cities (high levels of
pollution) results in
respiratory illness
-skin cancer (hole in Ozone
layer)
-division between poor and
rich
-shows inequality (in the
distribution of wealth = some
people will have limited
opportunities)
-can be expensive
-can be dangerous (people
taking advantage of tourists)
-language barriers
-terrorism
-diseases, puts people at risk
-fear as a result of perceiving
lack of security.

Perceptions of Young People

- positive and negative perceptions = based on personal experience and stereotypes
- stereotyping can be harmful = can lead to people fulfilling perceived expectation
(negative / positive) rather than establishing personal identity.
- Stereotypes can allow young people to be stigmatized by a minoritys behaviour
(small amount of youth who are involved in crime = all youth are criminals)

Developmental aspects that impact on the health of young people

Psychology = young people progress through series of social and emotional growth tasks
These task characterize the transition from childhood to adulthood
Young people will succeed at these tasks at different rates (according to social, economic,
and emotional circumstances)
The way in which the tasks are managed will affect the health of young people.
Task
Definition
Impact on young peoples
health
Revising Roles
-young people renegotiate their
-greater expectations are
-Job identity
roles as emerging adults
associated with the changing role
-parents give more responsibilities
-young person can disconnect
to child = change in roles played by
from family and can grow closer
young person (with every right =
with friends (result as friends tend
more responsibility)
to have a deeper understanding
-young people seek out new
of what the young person has
experiences that allow them to grow gone through)
-peers emerge as more important
than before
Clarifying Self identity
-self identity is dynamic as it is
-can lead to depression, loss of
-how you explain yourself to
influenced by changing
confidence and motivation
others and yourself (who am
experiences, events and choices
i?)
-if you experience positive
(age, gender, sexuality, SES,
experiences it will assist in a young
job/interest, religion, location,
person making a positive self
ethnicity, past experiences)
identity (e.g. getting good grades)
-negative experiences = negative
self identity (bad grades)
Developing self sufficiency
- ability to be able to provide for
- if autonomy is achieved it
and autonomy
ones self without assistance and
enhances self esteem and
being responsible about making
confidence and a sense of
decisions (regarding work, diet and
identity.
health)
-Increased levels of stress results
- autonomy: independence
if there is no autonomy (living in
- Sufficiency: rely on self, dont need uncertainty, not in control of own
assistance from anyone
life)
Establish a sense of selfSelf esteem (feeling / opinion one
-poor self esteem leads to poor
worth
has about themselves. Can be
choices etc. resulting in poor
-developing self esteem
negative/positive)
mental health
-essential for good mental health
-SMART goals
-develop belief in own ability, hence
develops self worth
Establishing education,
-adolescent needs to develop a
-work = impacts on finance and
training and employment
concept of life long education
ability to look after own health
pathways
-fulfilling employment has the
-negative = ambition isn't always
capacity to affect many other
achieved through education
aspects of life.
Establishing personal
-people, places and programs that
-good support networks may
support structures
increase an individuals ability to
assist in relieving stress,
make health promoting choices
providing advice and helping
-strength will often be characterized them to cope.
by SES (e.g. support of financial,
- many support groups,
emotional, physical and mental)
community groups, psychologists
are available to access
Determining behavioural
-learning what is acceptable
-no boundaries = risk taking
boundaries
behaviour and what isn't
behaviour and ill health
-often influenced by cultural, family
-wish to challenge boundaries
and peers
-make susceptible to negative
-society has a standard that
consequences
determines these boundaries (e.g.
Positive for those who have set

seatbelts)

own boundaries are able to

accept responsibility for their own
actions

Identify the relationship between successfully managing these developmental aspects and
establishing good health
- if changing roles are not effectively managed = person never developing a sense of
ones self and not becoming independent or maturing into adulthood effectively
- can result in family break down and conflict as child tries to become more
independent (rebelling and refusing to conform to rules)
- moving through this phase of developing self identity, if managed positively can allow
young people to discover strengths and potential for personal growth.
- Becomes negative when young people question ability to achieve, and devalues
personal growth
DO AUSTRALIAS YOUNG PEOPLE ENJOY GOOD HEALTH?
Epidemiology of the health of young people
In 2001 most young people in Australia felt they were in good health and had a good
quality of life
- 76% of young Australians aged between 15 17 and 59% of those aged between
18 24 years rated their health as excellent or very good.
- Just over 80% of young people were delighted, pleased or mostly satisfied with their
quality of life. Only 4% saw their lives as unhappy or terrible.
Death rates declined for both males and females between 1982 2001 in the 12 24
age bracket.
- of all Australians who died in 2001, only 1% were young people aged 12 24 yrs. Of
these 74% were male and 26% were female. Most of the deaths among young
people were of those aged 18 24 years (motor vehicle accidents)
Injury and poisoning was the main cause of death among young people with transport
accidents, and suicide being the most prevalent.
- injury and poisoning were the cause of just over 70% of all deaths in the 12 24 in
2001 almost 80% were male. Of deaths cuased by injury and poisoning 46% were
transport accidents and 30% were suicide.
Most common cause of hospitalization for young people was pregnancy and childbirth
(19%) followed by injury to young males (15%) mental and behavioural disorders (9%)
Hospitalisations of young people for mental disorders increased between 1996, 1997,
2000, and 2001 rate.
- rates were highest for young people aged 18 24
the most common causes of hospitalization for mental disorders among young people
were depression, schizophrenia, reaction to servere stress and eating disorders.
- most eating disorder hospitalizations were for females, and most schizophrenia
hospitalizations were for males.
Respiratory conditions, including colds, asthma and bronchitis were the most frequent
cause of young people visiting the GP followed by contraception needs, sporting
injuries and acne.
An increasing number of young Australians are being affected by sexually transmitted
diseases.
- most common among young people is Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
- The rate of Chlamydia has increased by more than 3 times between 1991 and 2001.
- The rate of Gonorrhoea has increased by 5 times between 1991 and 2001
- Infections from Syphilis decreased by 56% between 1991 and 2001

Young peoples health is influenced by a sense of impunity. This can lead to an

increased level of risk taking and result in accidents, drug and alcohol abuse which
may result in mental health problems and risky sexual behaviours.
Patterns of morbidity and mortality
- the rate of mortality for males is higher than females for young people
- the rate of mortality for young people is declining
- there is a higher rate of morbidity for males than females
- the rate of mortality for young males in relation to road accidents is higher than
females
- The main cause of mortality for young people is accidents and violence.
Comparisons of health status with that of other populations throughout Life span
Infants and young children
- mortality rate is highest in males than females
- There is a downward trend in mortality
- Like young people, main cause of morbidity and injury
- Young children are falling sick through respiratory conditions/infections, whereas with
young people there are few that are diagnosed with it.
Older People
- older ppl are living longer as mortality rates decline
- older ppl are similarly dying from lifestyle diseases such as CVD and stroke
- Elderly ppl have a higher rate of hospitalization than any other group males even
higher
Exposure to risk factors for degenerative (symptoms getting worse) disease (lifestyle
diseases)
- Young people = make health choices that impacts their future health status
- Young people = more likely to take greater risks with health (by smoking and drinking)
as they believe their bodies can withstand the abuse
- Degenerative diseases (begin with unhealthy habits smoking, poor nutrition) often
sustained throughout life
- All signs and / or symptoms of these lifestyle diseases dont appear until later on in
life
Body Image - see assignment
Examples of initiatives for body image
Unreal Images teaching and learning for the PHP ciriculum (video, teaching and learning
activities)
- initiative of NSW Health Department
- Dissatisfaction has increased with body image (excessive dieting, development of
eating disorders) is prevalent and has become a large area of concern
- Created to provide young men and women with skills to investigate how messages
about ideal body types and behaviours are created.
- Assists students to understand, question and evaluate the everyday messages about
socially desirable male and female bodies that are transmitted through the mass
media.
- Intended audience = 12 18yrs (years 9 and 10 students) both male and female
- Uses characters that are easy to relate to, supports and creates discussions,
worksheets to reinforce what is addressed in the magazine
- Provided information that audiences probably werent aware of (such as airbrushing )
which comes from a reliable source (Dolly Magazine coordinator)
Nobodys Perfect part of PHP teaching ciriculum
- developing beliefs and attitudes, developing healthy eating habits
- promotes positive body image
- provides suggested activities and hand outs
- looks at the influences of body image
Both of these initiatives focuses on Developing Personal Skills and Creates Supportive
Environments (OTTAWA CHARTER)
Risk Taking and Road Related Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents (driver, passengers, pedestrians and other road users)
Definition of risk taking = can refer to both positive or socially approved behaviours e.g. rock
climbing can have negative effects. Or negative deviant behaviours (drink driving, speeding
etc.) For young people, risk taking behaviours concerned negative driving behaviour,
substance abuse STI (unprotected sexual activity) and criminal activity.
Statistics of drivers and motorcycle riders in fatal crashes mostly all males
Year
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
Under 17
4
7
7
2
6
17 20
105
109
95
88
85
21 - 25
98
113
85
73
96
Total
207
229
187
163
187
Trends decrease as a result of health promotion and awareness of safe driving (Youth
Road Safety in NSW rta) and graduated licensing scheme (Provisional licenses and
alcohol restrictions)
- young drivers are over represented in crashes
- people under 26 make only 15% of driver liscences, but are involved in over 36% of
road fatalities. (lack of experience, young = more likely to participate in risky
behaviours)
- Main reason that young drivers have accidents is because of Speeding (attempt to in
order to impress peers)
- Having passengers in the car alters the way a person drives (can distract, and alter
the weight and composition of the car)
- Males are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents (always trying to prove their
masculinity to others, where as it isn't necessary for females, also have more risk
taking behaviours and consuming alcohol)
- Driving safely involves being able to physically control the car, understand the road
rules, possess the mental maturity to make safe decisions, must be mentally alert,
and have the ability to stop revive and survive.
The extent of
impact
Groups of
young people
most at risk

Major related
social factors

-major cause of unintentional death

-young people are over-represented in road injury stats
-major cause of hospitalization
-young males
-inexperienced drivers
-indigenous young people
-Passengers traveling with drunk drivers
-young people who drive under the influence of drugs particularly alcohol
-young people from rural areas
-Peer pressure and number of friends in the car, particularly males
traveling together (peer influence can be stronger than promotions)
-over estimation of driving ability, and feeling of invincibility
-poor perception of risk and greater risk behaviour
-lack of finances and poor vehicle condition (low SES) and also young,
new drivers usually have old second hand cars (due to finance
limitations)
-driving whilst distracted (listening to loud music, texting on mobile
phones and eating)

Advertising campaign The Notes Advertising Campaign (RTA)

Targeted at 17 25 year old drivers
Youth campaign.
Note left behind to loved ones stating about their Rushed situation. Uses common forms of
communication such as text, email, and notes / post its.
Audience can relate. (BETTER TO BE LATE THAN DEAD ON TIME)
The mocking Bird search RTA