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Adolescent Health

Urban Bangalore has a large proportion of youth who belong to the age group of 8-16 years. The estimate is close to. …….Obesity, hormonal disturbances, lifestyle diseases and infertility are on the rise since the last 2 decades. Young girls of school and college going age are experiencing earlier menarche, period problems, PCOS related problems such as acne, obesity, hyperandrogenism and also insulin resistance related problems. Age at first sexual encounter is reducing and teenage pregnancies are on the rise. Many girls are having eating disorders either because of malnutrition, over- or under-eating or even anorexia nervosa. Physical activity is displaced by VDU and mobile use and sedentary lifestyle. There are many long term health effects which could occur to epidemic proportions if these children go unchecked. Hence, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive adolescent clinic to address these issues in a multipronged manner.

The following aspects of adolescent health are dealt with in the clinic:

  • General health care including obesity, acne, etc
  • Menstrual problems
  • Hormonal imbalance such as PCOS
  • Sexuality
  • Unintended pregnancy
  • Sexually transmitted disease diagnosis and treatment
  • Evaluation and counseling for behavior, family and school problems
  • Eating disorders treatment
  • Substance use and abuse management

Young women’s clinic

  • Premarital counselling
  • Preconceptional counselling
  • Contraception and family planning
  • Psychosexual counselling

INFRASTRUCTURE

The comprehensive clinic can run like any other gynaecology clinic, with easy access to the toilet, lab and other specialists. However, to maintain confidentiality, it is important to have an easy appointment system and a discreet consultation room, if possible.

Specific case notes or proforma would be required for documentation.

Personnel would include a specialist nurse trained in communication, counselling and confidentiality, counsellor, physiotherapist/yoga therapist, weight management programme, gynaeocologist with special interest in adolescent care, endocrinologist, dermatologist, and a nutritionist.

If you have any inquiries on this regard, please seek an appointment or contact me on email [email protected]