F.

ADOLESCENT
HEALTH
The adolescent age group refers to young individuals
between the ages of 10 to 19 years old who are in
transition from childhood to adulthood.

It is during this phase that risk-taking behaviors either

due to peer pressure or simple curiosity are its highest
peak.

Adolescent health refers to a state of complete

physical, mental and social well-being of persons
aged 10-19 years.
SUBSTANCE /
DRUG ABUSE
 RISK TAKING behaviors are its peak at
adolescence phase and are usually secondary
to peer pressure thus resulting to certain
mental health conditions such as anxiety and
depression

Anxiety And Depression are the most

common factors that cause initial drug
dependence and subsequent addiction
 Substance and drug abuse
Drug addiction is best evaluated and managed by
an adequately trained health personnel for
counseling and behavior modification.

It should be referred immediately to the

appropriate authorities for prompt evaluation
and management on the earliest sign of drug
dependence to prevent subsequent addiction
which is more difficult to manage.
 ROLE OF THE BHW
UNDER THE DRUG ABUSE PROGRAM OF DOH,
BHWs are expected to ASSSIT the RHMs in
promoting essential information and education
campaigns on abused substances.

They are not expected to comprehensively

discuss the effects of abused substances or its
rehabilitative modalities
 How can drug abuse be prevented
PARENTAL SUPERVISION is most critical during this phase to
prevent the adolescent from experimenting with drug use.

Active community participation on the promotion of

healthier activities is also one of the practical ways to
prevent adolescents from drug addiction

Family members or relatives are highly encouraged to

immediately refer adolescents suspected for drug
dependence to the nearest drug rehabilitation or treatment
facility to prevent further complications
 BHWs SHOULD DO
1. REFER TO THE RHM or to appropriate authorities if
there are usual signs and symptoms of a drug addict
among members of the household catchment area
nausea dry mouth
chills dilated pupils
involuntary teeth clenching confusion
cramped or tensed muscles
blurred vision
excitement and increased energy
profuse sweating
 BHWs SHOULD DO
2. Encourage members of the household to assist the
adolescent to the nearest drug rehabilitation center if
there are any of the usual signs and symptoms for
proper counseling

3. Encourage members of the household to allow their

children to actively participate in community activities
such as sports fest activities and minimize participation
from activities that might encourage or promote drug
use.
ALCOHOL
ABUSE
 Alcohol abuse
is characterized by a pattern of
excessive drinking despite its
negative effects on the physical,
social, and economic being of the
individual
 ROLE OF THE BHW
UNDER THE LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION PROGRAM
OF DOH, BHWs are expected to ASSSIT the RHMs
in promoting essential information and education
campaigns on ALCOHOL abuse.

They are not expected to comprehensively discuss

the effects of ALCOHOL INTOXICATION or its
treatment and rehabilitative modalities
 Risk factors for alcohol abuse
 Caused by a complex group of genetic,
psychological and environmental factors
PEER PRESSURE is one of the causative factors
for alcohol abuse among adolescents

HOW IT CAN BE PREVENTED:

Because alcohol abuse is multifactorial in nature, it is
important that there is active community participation
for support , along with mutual family support and
personal desire to achieve treatment and
rehabilitation
 Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse is best evaluated and managed by
adequately trained health personnel for
counseling and behavior modification.

It should be referred immediately to the

appropriate authorities for prompt evaluation
and management on the earliest sign of alcohol
dependence to prevent subsequent addiction
which is more difficult to manage.
 BHWs SHOULD DO
1. Refer to the RHM or to appropriate authorities if
there are usual signs and symptoms of alcohol
abuse among members of the household
catchment area
 alcohol breath or smell on skin
 deterioration in person’s appearance or
personal hygiene
 decreased ability to pay attention
 BHWs SHOULD DO
2. Encourage members of the household to assist the
adolescent to the nearest alcohol rehabilitation center
if there are any of the usual signs and symptoms for
proper counseling

3. Encourage members of the household to allow their

children to actively participate in community activities
such as sports fest activities and minimize participation
from activities that might encourage or promote
alcohol abuse (e.g. bar hopping)
SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED
INFECTIONS
(STI)
 Sexually transmitted infections
STIs are caused by a variety of microorganisms
(bacteria, virus, parasites) that are spread primarily
through sex ( person to person contact)

It can also be transmitted through :

 INFECTED BLOOD PRODUCTS ( single infected
needle used by multiple drug addicts or infected
needles used in unsterile body piercing or
tattooing)
 From MOTHER TO CHILD during pregnancy and
childbirth