Adolescent Health Voyage in Nigeria: Surviving the Storm Through a Primary Health Care Network with Family Physicians in the Lead
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151
46
1.Family Medicine Department, Federal Medical Center, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria;
2.Family Medicine Department, University of Uyo, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria;
3.Family Medicine Department, Bingham University, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria;
4.Family Medicine Department, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
American Journal of Pediatrics (Science Publishing Group)
2023
9 : 4
217-225
10.11648/j.ajp.20230904.15
English
Akeem Opeyemi Akinbode, Sunday Bassey Udoh, Patricia Eseigbe, Ndifreke Ubokutom Udom. (2023). Adolescent Health Voyage in Nigeria: Surviving the Storm Through a Primary Health Care Network with Family Physicians in the Lead. American Journal of Pediatrics, 9(4), 217-225. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajp.20230904.15. Share Research.
Abstract
The adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood. Globally, adolescent population is increasing due to successes in child survival strategies especially in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) including Nigeria. In Nigeria, adolescents constitute about 22% of the total population and it is projected to reach 28% in 2040. Despite this fact, in developing health policies and services by government, the adolescents are largely ignored. The age bracket is characterized by unhealthy risk-taking behaviors which affect their health negatively. Such behaviors may cause injuries, risk of infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy/possible complications, and violence. The aim of this study was to examine the health services available in Nigeria for the increasing health needs for the rising adolescent population. The existing literature was reviewed, seeking to establish available network of care and support for adolescent population in Nigeria. Although the National government recognized that addressing the health needs of adolescent and young people is vital to nation’s building, the services of available service providers are poorly coordinated thus leading to poor outcomes. This review concludes that there is an urgent need for proper coordination of adolescent health- related care provider activities for better outcome. Family physicians in Nigeria through the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) should spearhead collaborative efforts with organizations working in the Adolescent Health space in order to achieve desired results.
Adolescent, Health, Nigeria, Primary Health Care, Family Physicians
The adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood. Globally, adolescent population is increasing due to successes in child survival strategies especially in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) including Nigeria. In Nigeria, adolescents constitute about 22% of the total population and it is projected to reach 28% in 2040. Despite this fact, in developing health policies and services by government, the adolescents are largely ignored. The age bracket is characterized by unhealthy risk-taking behaviors which affect their health negatively. Such behaviors may cause injuries, risk of infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy/possible complications, and violence. The aim of this study was to examine the health services available in Nigeria for the increasing health needs for the rising adolescent population. The existing literature was reviewed, seeking to establish available network of care and support for adolescent population in Nigeria. Although the National government recognized that addressing the health needs of adolescent and young people is vital to nation’s building, the services of available service providers are poorly coordinated thus leading to poor outcomes. This review concludes that there is an urgent need for proper coordination of adolescent health- related care provider activities for better outcome. Family physicians in Nigeria through the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) should spearhead collaborative efforts with organizations working in the Adolescent Health space in order to achieve desired results.
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