“ Comparatively to our neighbouring countries , which also implemented Global School-based Student Health Survey ( GSHS ) using similar questionnaire and methods , our prevalence of health risk behaviours is among the highest in the region .”

BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

Neglecting adolescent health will further contribute to the increasing disease burden in adulthood . Preventive interventions during adolescence are cost-effective in reducing morbidities and mortalities in adulthood , subsequently reducing the cost of treatment for NCDs among adults .

Director-General of Health , Datuk Dr Radzi Abu Hassan , said while young people were relatively healthy , there may be specific morbidities resulting from risky behaviours due to the very nature of the adolescent phase marked by dramatic hormonal changes .

“ Evidence from the Lancet Commission ( 2016 ) has shown that investment in adolescent health is critical and provides triple dividend in ensuring the health of ; current adolescents , in adulthood and future generations ,” he told The Health .

By World Health Organisation ( WHO )

Datuk Dr Radzi Abu Hassan

definition , an adolescent is 10-19 years .

Dr Radzi said factors affecting adolescents ’ health are multifactorial and must therefore be addressed holistically at all levels ( national , state , district and community ) to identify their real needs .

“ Their optimal growth and development are moulded in a supportive environment to produce healthy , knowledgeable , resilient and responsible adults .

Given the opportunity , adolescents and young adults are potent agents of change .

There is a need to enhance youth engagement to survive , thrive , and transform the world into a better place for future generations .”

“ The investment should include adequate financial investment , provision of sufficient manpower and facilities . It is crucial to reduce the risky behaviours and enhance the protective factors that play an important role in the adolescents ’ health .”

The National Health & Morbidity Survey ( NHMS ) 2022 : Adolescent Health Survey ( AHS ) study assesses the health risk behaviours and protective factors among adolescents in Malaysia and reveals several significant findings .

The National Institutes of Health ’ s ( NIH ), Institute of Public Health ( IKU ) Director , Dr Noor Ani Ahmad , said :

THE BIGGEST CONCERNS

NHMS 2022 : AHS revealed that ; obesity , attempting suicide , sedentary activity , current sexual intercourse , and current E-cigarette use showed increment trends of health risk behaviours . While the other health risk behaviours , such as alcoholism , drug use , and physical aggression , showed a slight decrease , the prevalence is still high .

The prevalence of current cigarette smokers in 2022 ( 6.2 per cent ) revealed a significant decrease compared to 2017 ( 13.8 per cent ) & 2012 ( 11.5 per cent ). However , there was a considerable increase in the prevalence of current E-cigarette / vape users in 2022 ( 14.9 per cent ) compared to 2017 ( 9.8 per cent ).

Second , regarding mental health problems , 26.9 per cent of adolescents reported being depressed . The trend of suicidal ideation among adolescents in Malaysia increased from 7.9 per cent in Malaysia in 2012 to 10.0 per cent in 2017 and 13.1 per cent in this current survey .

The prevalence of suicidal plans in this survey was also higher ( 10 per cent ) compared to in 2012 ( 6.4 per cent ) and 2017 ( 7.3 per cent ). In addition , the suicide attempts were higher ( 9.5 per cent ) compared to in 2012 ( 6.8 per cent ) and 2017 ( 6.9 per cent ).

Third , regarding nutritional status , the prevalence of underweight reported in this study was 8.3 per cent , which increased compared to seven per cent in 2012 and 6.5 per cent in 2017 .

ADDRESSING ADOLESCENT HEALTH PROBLEMS

Given the NHMS 2022 : AHS findings , Dr Noor Ani said the IKU suggested several recommendations . They include :

• Strengthening the multi-approach school-based nutrition and physical activity intervention to motivate behaviour modification to improve adolescents ’ healthy eating and lifestyle .

• Improving the national school curriculum that teaches life skills such as effective coping strategies as part of “ Program Minda Sihat ”.

• More comprehensive sexual and