Health risks for young women

The predictable risk-taking behaviours of many adolescents, present GPs with special challenges when assessing and treating young people at risk.

"Healthy risk-taking is a positive tool in an adolescent's life for discovering, developing and consolidating his or her identity," said Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and colleagues in the latest edition of The Medical Journal of Australia.

But "it is the extent to which an adolescent engages in health-risk behaviours, and the overall impact of these behaviours on personal health and development, that are of increasing public health concern," he said.

"There appears to be a growing range and prevalence of health-risk behaviours among young women, notably in their use of alcohol and marijuana.

"Seventy percent of young women engage in binge drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion) at some time, with 19 percent doing so on a weekly basis.

"Excessive alcohol use is associated with a range of other health-risk behaviours, including unsafe sex, unwanted pregnancy, drink-driving and road accidents, violence, and criminal activity."

Statistics suggest that the number of young people using illicit drugs is increasing, with twice the number of teenage girls using drugs compared with their male counterparts.

The report also examines sexual behaviour, dieting and health, physical inactivity, motor vehicle accidents and mental health problems, suggesting that symptoms of depression are associated with a range of health-risk behaviours.

"General practitioners are ideally placed to detect and manage these health-risk behaviours," Dr Carr-Gregg said, adding that the greatest challenge for GPs is to engage young patients in a dialogue about their health behaviour.

Known risk factors for health-risk behaviour of adolescents include: poverty, poor academic performance, role models for antisocial behaviour, low self-esteem, a sense of hopelessness, and family history of mental and physical health problems.

"Protective factors include: attachment to an adult carer (possibly a healthcare provider), independence and competency, high aspirations with adult support, effective schooling, connectedness with teachers, good health, and motivation to access resources," he said.

The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.

CONTACT: Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, 0418 532 128

Judith Tokley, AMA, 0408 824 306