Unsafe Sex Seen As Quickest-Growing Risk For Bad Health In Young People

unsafe sex young people

By Elizabeth Anderson , Parent Herald May 13, 05:52 am

Health problems that are preventable and treatable are plaguing two-thirds of young people, according to a report by the Lancet Commission. Called "Our Future: A Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing," the report eyes continuous abandonment and underinvestment as the causes.

According to Science Daily, the Lancet Commission said that over the past 23 years, unsafe sex is the fastest-growing risk factor for ill health in young people that are aged 10-24 years old. Besides unsafe sex, two-thirds of young people face threats of depression, early pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, injury and violence.

Adolescent Health Needs More Action, Funding, Focus On Education, Lancet Commission Report Says https://t.co/xaZTd2Gl38 @KaiserFamFound
— Global Health Hub (@GHhub) May 11, 2016

Investment In The Health Of Young People Needed

"From a life-course perspective, adolescents stand at the crossroads of the major challenges to global health: HIV/AIDS, intentional and unintentional injuries, sexual and reproductive health, and chronic disease," said John Santelli, as per Siasat Daily. Santelli is from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in the United States.

"Investments in adolescent health have the potential to alter the future course of global health," Santelli added. Columbia University was one of those who led the Lancet Commission.

"Inconsistent, irrational laws have a negative impact on adolescent health," said Terry McGovern, one of the commissioners. McGovern is a Columbia Mailman School professor of Population and Family Health.

Unsafe Sex Particularly Risks Teens For Bad Health

The Deccan Chronicle reported that unsafe sex, for both males and females aged 15-19, is the fastest-growing risk factor in terms of health. It had climbed up from 13^th place in 1990 and from 2^nd place in 2013.

For young adults, the leading risk factor in the health aspect is still alcohol. It accounts for 7 percent of bad health.

What should be done to promote safe sex? Share your thoughts below.