Adolescent health. Health, Medicine, Nursing Essay (Essay Sample)

Adolescent Health
Name
Institution
Abstract
Adolescence is a period marked by various physical, intellectual and psychosocial development preparing young individuals for adulthood (Vivancos et al., 2013). It is characterized by factors of curiosity and experimentation as young people try to define their values and at the same time seeking independence (Vivancos et al., 2013). Unfortunately, these experimentations and aspects of curiosity can drive adolescents into the trial of risky behaviors that can include drug abuse, substance abuse, unhealthy dietary, risky sexual behaviors and at time physical inactivity (Department of Health Human Services, 2014). These behaviors can result to varying illnesses, unwanted pregnancies and premature death (Hale et al., 2014). Risky sexual behaviors can be defined as behaviors that can increase an individual’s risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies (Hale et al., 2014). They can result from tendencies such as having multiple partners, engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, sexual debuts and engaging in sex while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.