Emerging risky sexual behavior and substance use among adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is a period of substantial developmentalchanges in an individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional,and social behavior. Peer pressure, family problems, lack ofeducation, use of mass media, delinquencies, and changesin neurobiology all affect an adolescent's development andmay predispose to consequences such as drug addiction,unprotected sexual activities, unplanned pregnancies STDs,HIV, and other mental health issues. This paper is mainlyfocused on highlighting the emerging risky sexual behaviorand substance use among adolescents. The review alsoreveals the role of educational institutes, governmentprograms & policies, community, and health care workers asthey play a crucial role in reducing the risk of theseproblems by providing adequate knowledge and services tothe adolescents from the beginning itself.