Menu
08/12/2003
Stark BMA report paints gloomy picture of teen health
A report from the British Medical Association (BMA) has presented a gloomy assessment of the health of the nation's teenagers.
The 'Adolescent Health' report concluded that one fifth of young teens were overweight, a quarter of 15 and 16 year olds smoke regularly and just over 10% of 11 to 15 year olds admitted to taking drugs in the past 12 months.
The report, by the BMA's Board of Science, probed many aspects of adolescent health, including – nutrition, exercise and obesity; smoking drinking and drug use; mental health; and sexual health.
The BMA has now called on the government to invest in services that specifically target the health requirements of adolescents.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's Head of Science and Ethics, said: "Young people in Britain are increasingly likely to be overweight, indulge in binge drinking, have a sexually transmitted infection and suffer mental health problems.
"It is high time we provided education and healthcare services that target the specific needs of young people. We need to ensure that young people do not fall in between the gap between services for children and those designed for adults."
Dr Nathanson added that current provision for sexual health services in the UK was "woefully inadequate" and services targeting the needs of adolescents "are almost non-existent".
"We must invest properly in sexual health and provide services that young people feel comfortable using if we are to reduce the burgeoning levels of sexually transmitted diseases," she said.
Dr Russell Viner, Consultant in Adolescent Medicine, University College Hospitals and Great Ormond Street Hospital, said: "We also need to develop a co-ordinated approach to adolescent health that involves healthcare, education, social services and youth justice system so that we can target all young people including those who may be most at risk such as young offenders, the homeless and people from deprived communities."
The report calls for, among other things, social skills training and anti-bullying policies, a ban on alcohol advertising and a reduction in the availability of cigarettes, and school-based sex education linked to improved access to contraception services.
Adolescent Health is aimed at doctors faced with treating young people, as well as policy makers, as it contains research-based practical measures to improve the health of the young people in the UK.
(gmcg)
The 'Adolescent Health' report concluded that one fifth of young teens were overweight, a quarter of 15 and 16 year olds smoke regularly and just over 10% of 11 to 15 year olds admitted to taking drugs in the past 12 months.
The report, by the BMA's Board of Science, probed many aspects of adolescent health, including – nutrition, exercise and obesity; smoking drinking and drug use; mental health; and sexual health.
The BMA has now called on the government to invest in services that specifically target the health requirements of adolescents.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's Head of Science and Ethics, said: "Young people in Britain are increasingly likely to be overweight, indulge in binge drinking, have a sexually transmitted infection and suffer mental health problems.
"It is high time we provided education and healthcare services that target the specific needs of young people. We need to ensure that young people do not fall in between the gap between services for children and those designed for adults."
Dr Nathanson added that current provision for sexual health services in the UK was "woefully inadequate" and services targeting the needs of adolescents "are almost non-existent".
"We must invest properly in sexual health and provide services that young people feel comfortable using if we are to reduce the burgeoning levels of sexually transmitted diseases," she said.
Dr Russell Viner, Consultant in Adolescent Medicine, University College Hospitals and Great Ormond Street Hospital, said: "We also need to develop a co-ordinated approach to adolescent health that involves healthcare, education, social services and youth justice system so that we can target all young people including those who may be most at risk such as young offenders, the homeless and people from deprived communities."
The report calls for, among other things, social skills training and anti-bullying policies, a ban on alcohol advertising and a reduction in the availability of cigarettes, and school-based sex education linked to improved access to contraception services.
Adolescent Health is aimed at doctors faced with treating young people, as well as policy makers, as it contains research-based practical measures to improve the health of the young people in the UK.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 June 2004
Study uncovers social variations in UK abortion rates
Abortions among young women tend to be lower in socially disadvantaged areas – even though these areas also have the highest rates of conception among the under 18s, according to a new report out today.
Study uncovers social variations in UK abortion rates
Abortions among young women tend to be lower in socially disadvantaged areas – even though these areas also have the highest rates of conception among the under 18s, according to a new report out today.
14 April 2006
High rate of self-harm among Goths
Teenage Goths are more likely to self-harm and attempt suicide than teenagers involved in other subcultures, a study has found. Researchers at the University of Glasgow surveyed 1,258 young people at the age of 11, 13, 15 and 19 about self-harm and identification with a variety of youth subcultures, including Goth.
High rate of self-harm among Goths
Teenage Goths are more likely to self-harm and attempt suicide than teenagers involved in other subcultures, a study has found. Researchers at the University of Glasgow surveyed 1,258 young people at the age of 11, 13, 15 and 19 about self-harm and identification with a variety of youth subcultures, including Goth.
26 August 2015
Staffing At Weston Hospital 'Serious Concern'
A report on an inspection carried out at Weston General Hospital has found that staff shortages pose a "risk to patients' safety" and caused "serious concerns". The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report rated care at the hospital as "Good" but found that safety was "inadequate".
Staffing At Weston Hospital 'Serious Concern'
A report on an inspection carried out at Weston General Hospital has found that staff shortages pose a "risk to patients' safety" and caused "serious concerns". The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report rated care at the hospital as "Good" but found that safety was "inadequate".
19 August 2015
Report Finds E-Cigs 95% Safer Than Cigarettes
A independent review on the evidence of the use of e-cigarettes has concluded that they are "significantly less harmful" than tobacco products and have the potential to help people quit smoking.
Report Finds E-Cigs 95% Safer Than Cigarettes
A independent review on the evidence of the use of e-cigarettes has concluded that they are "significantly less harmful" than tobacco products and have the potential to help people quit smoking.
27 May 2011
Health Services For Vulnerable About To Improve
Health services aimed at vulnerable children and young people in the secure estate are set to improve, following changes announced today by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow. Responsibility for commissioning health services for children and young people in Secure Children’s Homes and Secure Training Centres is to pass to the NHS.
Health Services For Vulnerable About To Improve
Health services aimed at vulnerable children and young people in the secure estate are set to improve, following changes announced today by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow. Responsibility for commissioning health services for children and young people in Secure Children’s Homes and Secure Training Centres is to pass to the NHS.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
