National Guide
Chapter 7 | The health of young people
In this chapter, the terms ‘youth’, ‘young people’ and ‘adolescents’ refer to people aged 12–24 years. This is consistent with the definition used by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).1 It is important to note this definition differs from the World Health Organization recommended age range of 10–19 years2 and the United Nations definition (for statistical purposes) of 15–24 years.3 From an individual perspective and according to the AIHW: Youth is a key transition period in a person’s life. The health of young people can influence how likely they are to achieve better educational outcomes, make a successful transition into full-time work, develop healthy adult lifestyles, and experience fewer challenges forming families and parenting.1 The health of young peopl also has societal importance because it is: … a developmental stage in which investments in health bring a triple dividend of reduced death and disability during these years, healthier trajectories across the life-course, and the best possible start for the next generation.4 Preventive health issues for young people are very broad, and several areas relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, such as smoking, nutrition, physical activity, overweight and obesity, alcohol, depression and suicide, are addressed in other chapters in this guide. Although injuries, including road trauma and self-inflicted injury, are significant causes for concern in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth,4 they are secondary to mental illness and substance use, and addressing these is critical in reducing morbidity and mortality due to injuries. This chapter has four parts:
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