Heredity and environment are the two most important factors in adolescent development. The viewpoint is founded on the nature-nurture theory, which holds that development dynamics are not only innate but also acquired and contextual. While heredity is a powerful maturational force responsible for morphological and physiological changes, development is influenced by factors such as exercise and diet. Contextual elements such as culture, education, and birthing practices are also important aspects of development.
A significant reproductive concern in Western countries that should impact health promotion efforts for adolescent. While the majority of Western countries have comprehensive public health programs to address sexual health needs of young adults, one persistent issue has been early sexual debuts (www.guttmacher.org, 2017). The problem has remained an overlooked subject, with existing epidemiological reports revealing teenagers as young as 12 are leading an active sexual life.
Impact of early sexual encounters on health and wellness of adolescents in Western Society
Early sexual debut predisposes youths to sexually transmitted infections. While some illnesses may be asymptomatic, they have adverse consequences such as infertility when not treated on time (Murthy & Smith, 2010). Mishell & Shoupe (2016) also note that early sex activity leads to pelvic inflammatory disease, emotional disturbances, cervical dysplasia, and criminality. Sex activities also lead to unintended pregnancy and unplanned childbearing, where early parenting culminates to the vicious cycle of poverty. Young mothers drop out of school, thus constricting chances of securing jobs in future and leading a dignified life.
Response to the Case Study (14 years old girl seeking Reproductive Services
The right approach to addressing the complaint is discussing with the patient and her mother the need for obtaining a history and physical examination to ascertain the cause of the lump. A detailed history will be a significant aspect in understanding possible predisposing factors, with main concerns being whether the patient is wearing the kind of bra, recent traumas and injuries of the chest, as well as puberty-related complications such as fibrocystic breast changes. A physical exam will investigate the presence of confirmatory manifestations such as a lump in the armpit, discharges from the nipple, as well as any topical reddening or inflammation of the breast.
Teaching the 14-years old patient
The health education will primarily focus on raising awareness and improving self-examination skills, where the adolescent will be informed of the need of contacting her mother in the event she detects any skin discoloration around the breast. Another centrality will be means of minimizing the risk by wearing the right kind of bra and abstaining.
Taking Sexual History from an Adolescent
The session will begin by setting expectations, where the youth and the parent will be informed of the need for cooperating, including allowing the adolescent private time with the clinician. The second aspect will be disengaging the parent, a stage that should be followed by reinforcing confidentiality. The adolescence will be informed on laws and limits of the privacy, with the final issue being asking questions in a non-judgmental approach to encourage the patient to talk.
References
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in the United States. (2017). Guttmacher Institute. Retrieved 6 October 2017, from https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/american-teens-sexual-and-reproductive-health
Mishell, D. R., & Shoupe, D. (2016). The Handbook of Contraception: A Guide for Practical Management. Humana Press.
Murthy, P., & Smith, C. L. (2010). Women's global health and human rights. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
