The document outlines the developmental stage of adolescence, defined as the period between childhood and adulthood, typically from ages 10 to 19. It highlights the physical, psychological, and social changes adolescents experience, as well as the significant influence of socioeconomic factors, peer relationships, and developmental challenges on their health and well-being. The document also emphasizes the importance of supportive environments and factors that contribute to a healthy transition into adulthood.

1. WHO def
adolescents
10 -19 yrs
A d o l e c e n c e
‘adolescere’ Latin = “to grow, to mature” i.e.
achieving an identity.

2. Adolescence
Definition:
• “A period between childhood and
adulthood.”
» Oxford’s Dictionary
• “Adolescence is that period of life of an
individual when society no longer views
him as a child but does not as yet
concede him either the roles or the
functions inherent in the status of adult”.
» Holinshead.

3. Adolescence
is..
…that part in our life where
nothing seems to go
smoothly yet our best

4. Adolescence
WHO / UN Definitions:
– Adolescent
– Youth
– Young Adults
: 10 – 19 years
: 15 – 24 years
: 10 – 24 years

5. Some Definitions
•
•
•
•
Puberty
Physical characteristics that occur during
adolescence
The Growth Spurt
Rapid changes in height and weight during puberty.
Primary Sex Characteristics
The changes that mark the beginning of puberty for
girls and boys.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Other external changes that make adolescents look
like mature men and women

6. Teenagers
Comprise 2nd largest population group. (23%)
• over 1 billion world over
• World over - 1 out of every 5 person
• Developing - 1 out of every 4 person
• 10-19 years age group constitute >
1/5th of India’s po ulation.
• By the year 2010 there will be more
adolescents alive in the world than ever
before
• Healthy and well-adjusted adolescents of
today will become roductive citizens
and
dynamic leaders of tomorrow.
CSN Vittal

7. Salient attributes of Adolescence
•
•
•
•
•
•
Physical, psychological, emotional
and social development
Rapid but uneven physical growth
Sexual maturity and onset of sexual
activity
Desire for exploration and
experimentation
Development of adult mental process
and self identity
Transition from dependence to
relative independence

8. Factors affecting the adolescent
development
• Socioeconomic circumstances
•The environment in which they live and
grow
•The quality of relationships with their
families
• Communities and peer groups
•Opportunities for education and
employment

9. Growth Spurt
1. Average spurt is 24 to 36 months
2.Growth spurt is assoc. with bone age
(not age in years)
3. Growth spurt: up to 25% of final height
4. Peak height velocity (PHV)
a. Two years sooner in females vs. males
b. Tanner 2 in females vs. 4 in males
c. Tanner 5: Most teens are beyond PHV

10. 1. Starts: 10 years in females vs 11.5
years in males
2. PHV: 8.0 cm/year in females vs 9 cm
in males
3. Age: PHV at 11.5 years in females vs
13.5 in males (Two years sooner in
females vs. males) - Tanner 2 in females vs.
4 in males
4. Depends on onset of puberty and
effects of nutrition / illness
5. End: epiphyseal/diaphyseal
closure (adult bone age)
Linear Growth

11. Tanner’s Stages
Sequence of somatic and
physiologic changes give rise to
sexual maturity
• SMR Stages :
1 to 5 on parameters:
1. Pubic hair
2. Breast development
3. Genital development

12. SMR Stages - Girls
Breast Stage Pubic Hair
Prepubertal – Nipple elevation
only
I Prepubertal, no pubic hair
Small, raised breast bud
(thelarche)
II Sparse growth of hair along labia
General enlargement of raising
of breast and areola
III
Further enlargement with
projection of areola and nipple
IV
Pigmentation, coarsening and
curling, with an increase in
amount
Hair resembles adult type, but
not spread to medial thighs
as secondary mound
Adult contour, with areola in
same contour as breast, &
only nipple projecting
V Adult type and quantity, spread
to medial thighs

13. SMR Stages - Boys
Genital Stage Pubic Hair
Prepubertal Prepubertal, no pubic hair
I
II Sparse hair at the base of penis
Enlargement of testes > 4 ml;
reddening and change in
texture in skin of scrotum;
Increase first in length & then
breadth of penis; growth
of testes and scrotum
III Darkening, coarsening and
curling, increase in amount
Further growth of testes
and scrotum, darkening of
scrotal skin
IV Hair resembles adult type, but
not spread to medial thighs
Adult size and shape genitalia V Adult type and quantity, spread
to medial thighs

14. Sexual Maturity Rating – Tanner

15. Adolescence
Stages
Early : 9-13 years
Mid : 14-15 years
Late: 16-19 years

16. Adolescence
Rapid growth
Variable Early Middle Late
Age 10-13 14-16 17-20
SMR 1-2 3-5 5
Somatic Sec. sex
characters
High growth peaks,
body shape and
Slower growth
Sexual Interest exceeds
activity
Cognitive
& moral
Concrete
operational,
conventional
morality
comp. change, acne,
odor, menarche,
spermarche
Drive surges,
experimentation,
orientation
Emergence of
abstract thought, self
centered
Consolidation
of sexual
identity
Idealism,
absolutism

17. The Sequential Changes
of Puberty
Adolescent Female
•
•
•
•
•
•
Breast bud (thelarche)
Pubic hair development
(pubarche)
Height velocity peak
Menarche
Axillary hair
Final pubertal changes,
e.g., full breast, pubic hair, and completed
height development
Biological
Changes

18. Adolescent Male
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Early testicular growth
Pubarche
Testicular and penile growth
Nocturnal emissions (spermarche)
Height velocity changes
Marked voice changes
Facial hair growth
Final pubertal changes
e.g. full genital, height and muscle development
The Sequential Changes
of Puberty
Biological
Changes

19. ELIZ HEALTH PATH FOR ADOLESCENTS
Under Weight
< 18.5
Normal
18.5 – 24.9
Over Weight
25 – 29.9
Obesity
> 30

21. • Rapid and uneven growth and development vis a vis peers
• Ignorance about sex and sexuality
• Endocrinal and other psychological changes
• Lack of understanding & suboptimal support at family level
• Social frustration
• Inadequate school syllabus
• Misdirected peer pressure, absence of adequate knowledge
• Lack of recreational, creative and working opportunities.
• Lack of rehabilitation facilities for handicapped adolescents
Factors contributing to health
problems of adolescents

22. Psychosocial Development
Teenage Adult
With Parents Rebellious Reacceptance
Puberty changes Concern Acceptance
Friends / peers All important More selective
Behaviour Risk taking Put self limits
Attitudes Highly Realistic
moralistic

23. Factors affecting Adolescent Health
• Social environment:
– Attitudes and norms
– Relationships with family
– Policies of the decision makers
– Mass media
• Gender:
– Discrimination
• General health:
– Problems of childhood – malnutrition, deprivation,
abuse, infections, etc.
– Problems of adolescence – risk taking behaviour,
tobacco, alcohol, unprotected sex, violence and
injury, etc.

24. Protective Factors of Adolescent Health
1. Caring and meaningful relationships
2. Positive school environment
3. Structure and boundaries of behaviour
4. Having spiritual beliefs
5. Encouragement of self expression
6. Opportunities for participation and
contribution

25. ISSUES BOTHERING BOYS
Inadequate facial hair Embarrassment
Breast enlargement - Do -
Pimples - Do -
Self stimulation Physiological
Size of penis Does not matter at
all !
Interest in sex & nudity Natural
Pornography Distorted image
Chance for sexual
abuse
Avoid & resist

26. ISSUES BOTHERING GIRLS
Hirsutism Embarrassment
Breast shape, size - Do -
Pimples - Do -
Urge for self stimulation Not unusual
Interest in sex & nudity Natural
Sexual exploitation To be recognized early &
resisted
Menstrual problems …….

27. “The way a person pictures his
or her body”

28. Body image
• Important ingredient of self-concept
• Help whether we accept or reject
ourselves
• Whether we feel confident in social
relationships
• Whether we have an idealized or
realistic idea of attractiveness, strength,
skills and sex appeal.

29. Body Image
Perceptual
Evaluationofsizeofone’sbody
1
Affectiveor cognitive
Evaluationof abilities
2

30. Body image – Self Esteem
• Comparing with peers – developing a
feeling of inferiority
• Interfere with day to day functioning
and studies
• Problems in relationships with peers
and family, jealousy, arguments and
other negative expressions
Higher levels of body satisfaction are
associated with higher levels of self esteem.

31. “The sum total of one’s thinking, feeling,
attitude and behaviour towards sex”

32. Human Sexuality
• The physical aspect
to enjoy beauty is not a sin, but not at the
cost of someone’s discomfort.
• The mental aspect
“giving type” – finding happiness in making
the partner happy.
• The spiritual aspect
“do not hurt someone if possible &
do not hurt yourself ever”

33. Adolescent Sexuality & Sexual Behaviour
• Adolescence is a
period of
heightened
feelings, arousal,
urges and sexual
feelings directed
towards self and
the others
• During
adolescence
sexual exploration
and expression is
common
• Certain
restlessness of
character
20-24 yrs olds
In India
(NFHS 3 )
•47% of women between 20-24
yrs were married before 18 yrs
•12% of women between 15-19
yrs have already become mothers
•43 % of women & 11% of men
aged 20-24 yrs had sexual debut
•10% of teenagers suffer from
STIs
• HIV prevalence is 0.18% among

34. Issues in Human Sexuality
accepted norms for that
• Indiiviiduall’’s rolle as per
partiicullar sex.
• Depends on economyy,
educatiion status of
familiilies, career optiions,
etc.
•Recogniitiion of one’’s
own sex
Gender
Identity
Gender Role

35. Issues in Human Sexuality
• Transexualism (Gender Identity Disorders)
• Homosexuality
• Pornography
• Virginity
– Based on tradition, self discipline and self
dignity
• Premarital Sex

36. Are the horizontal lines parallel?
If so why do they appear like that ?

37. Adolescent Sexuality
High risk bbeehaviour
S
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• Troubled
• Confused
• Feel guilty
Boys Girls
Vulnerability for
STI,HIV,
Pregnancy &
Sexual exploitati on
Concentraattiion difficulty,
distraction
Poor school perffoormance,
Social and family
maladjustments

39. Illness
– G & D problems
– Precocious or delayed puberty
– Short stature

40. Risky behaviours
– Accidents
– Intended injuries
– Violence
– Homicide & Suicide

41. Adolescent Violence, Injuries & Sexual abuse
• Physical Injuries
• Alcoholism & drug abuse
• Delinquent behaviour
• Eating and sleep disorders
• Reproductive health problems
• Post traumatic stress disorders
• Depression and anxiety
• Suicidal behaviour and self harm

42. Nutritional problems
– Under nutrition
– Obesity
– Eating disorders
– Micronutrient deficiencies
• An Adolescent
- Male expected to take 2400 Cal / d
(As much an adult sedentary male)
- Girl may require 2100 Cal / day
(A little less than that of her mother)

43. Issues in Adolescent Nutrition
• Under nutrition – 47 % girls and 58 % boys between 15-19
yrs (BMI < 18)
• Anemia (Hb < 13g/dL) - > 56% girls & 30 % boys
• Early malnutrition affects physical work capacity
• Stunting and delayed maturation compound
the risk of adolescent pregnancy
• 75% relative increase in obesity in adolescents is noted
since 1970
• Inadequate food supply, gender based discrimination –
strong factors

44. Reproductive Health Problems
– High maternal mortality
– High perinatal mortality
– High LBW rate
– Abortion
– Menstrual problems
– RTI

45. Mental Health Problems
– Behaviour disorders
– Emotional problems
– Stress & anxiety
– Depression
– Scholastic issues
– Substance usage
– Psychiatric disorders

46. Mental Health Problems
CCrriisisiss– dose not connote catastrophe o
r
threat but a turning point in the life of an
individual
Crisis – dose not connote catastrophe or
threat but a turning point in the life of an
individual
Erik Erikson
All of the earlier crystallizations of identity
formed during childhood come into
question during adolescence with the
overwhelming combination of physical
changes, increased sex drive,
expanded mental abilities, and
increasing and conflicting social
demands.
– Identity problems

47. Drug Abuse - warning signals
• Sudden fall in academic performance
• Noticeable change in attitudes,
interests & behaviour
• Isolation from others
• Frequently altering moods of
depression & elation
• Easy fatigability, lack of enthusiasm /
marked incapacity for enjoyment

48. Other Adolescent Health Problems
• Infections
– Tuberculosis
– UTIs
• Sleep Disorders
– Insomnia
– Day time sleep
• Skin Problems
• Orthopedic problems
– Slipped Femoral Capital epiphyseal disk
• Chronic Diseases
– Head ache
– Refractive errors
– Goiter
– Asthma

50. AOULTHOODAHEAO

51. 1. Self-Awareness
6. Problem solving
2. Empathy
3. Critical Thinking
7. Effective Communication
4. Creative Thinking
8. Interpersonal Relationship
5. Decision Making 9. Coping With Stress
10. Coping With Emotions
CSN Vittal core
l i f e s k i l l s

52. SAYING ‘NO’ TO PEER PRESSURE
If one is asser tive one can :
– Stand up for one’s own values and needs
– Take control of one’s own decisions
– Trust and value one’s own feelings
– Recognise the attempts of others to control
Nobody has a right to touch you unless you want
them to, be firm and say ‘NO’
Learn to say ‘NO’ the first time itself, it will be much easier
than doing it later.
Remember while saying NO don’t hurt the person, rather
make the person feel how hurt you yourself are, having to
say NO.

53. Y
oucouldbesexually abusedby anyone
talktoyourmother, doctor/counselor.

54. sa
even y’ou con
Deferidúig yourxV
ñ riot
offeridńi$ him
'

57. Barriers preventing adolescents from
seeking available health services
•
•
•
•
•
Do not recognise illnesses
Unaware of consequences
Do not want to draw attention to themselves
Do not know where to go
Fear that health workers may
- humiliate their patients
- ask difficult questions
- conduct unpleasant procedures
• Uncomfortable with health workers of the opposite sex
• Parental consent required
• Concerns about confidentiality
• Cumbersome bureaucratic procedure
• Long waiting time

58. – To setup ideal Adolescent Friendly health
facilities
– To make existing ones more youth friendly
– Deliver services and supplies outside
health settings, e.g. school linked clinics,
market place clinics & workplace clinics,
etc.