HMS, HIC 2019 HSC 28b

Explain the factors which may adversely affect the health of young people and the strategies implemented to overcome them. (12 marks)

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Individual factors adversely affect young people’s health through predetermined characteristics and personal behaviours. Low self-esteem and risk-taking attitudes increase vulnerability to substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices. This occurs because adolescent brain development affects decision-making capacity. Male young people experience higher injury rates due to impulsivity and peer pressure influences. Consequently, motor vehicle accidents and sporting injuries represent leading causes of youth mortality and morbidity.
Socioeconomic factors create health disparities through family income and educational access. Low socioeconomic status limits access to healthy food choices and recreational facilities. This leads to higher rates of obesity and mental health issues among disadvantaged youth. Family breakdown and unemployment contribute to social isolation and stress-related conditions. Therefore, young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience poorer health outcomes across multiple indicators.
Environmental factors influence health through geographical location and infrastructure availability. Rural and remote young people face reduced access to healthcare services and mental health support. This results in delayed treatment for chronic conditions and higher suicide rates. Poor housing conditions and overcrowding expose young people to infectious diseases and respiratory problems. Additionally, limited transport optirestrict ons participation in health-promoting activities and social connections.
Strategies address these factors through targeted interventions and policy changes. Youth mental health services like headspace provide accessible support for psychological wellbeing issues. These services work by offering early intervention and culturally appropriate care in community settings. School-based health education programs develop health literacy and decision-making skills among adolescents. This approach enables young people to make informed choices about substance use and sexual health practices, reducing risk-taking behaviours significantly.

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Individual factors adversely affect young people’s health through predetermined characteristics and personal behaviours. Low self-esteem and risk-taking attitudes increase vulnerability to substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices. This occurs because adolescent brain development affects decision-making capacity. Male young people experience higher injury rates due to impulsivity and peer pressure influences. Consequently, motor vehicle accidents and sporting injuries represent leading causes of youth mortality and morbidity.
Socioeconomic factors create health disparities through family income and educational access. Low socioeconomic status limits access to healthy food choices and recreational facilities. This leads to higher rates of obesity and mental health issues among disadvantaged youth. Family breakdown and unemployment contribute to social isolation and stress-related conditions. Therefore, young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience poorer health outcomes across multiple indicators.
Environmental factors influence health through geographical location and infrastructure availability. Rural and remote young people face reduced access to healthcare services and mental health support. This results in delayed treatment for chronic conditions and higher suicide rates. Poor housing conditions and overcrowding expose young people to infectious diseases and respiratory problems. Additionally, limited transport optirestrict ons participation in health-promoting activities and social connections.
Strategies address these factors through targeted interventions and policy changes. Youth mental health services like headspace provide accessible support for psychological wellbeing issues. These services work by offering early intervention and culturally appropriate care in community settings. School-based health education programs develop health literacy and decision-making skills among adolescents. This approach enables young people to make informed choices about substance use and sexual health practices, reducing risk-taking behaviours significantly.

♦♦ Mean mark 50%.