BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENTS IN THE SPHERE OF HEALTH

METHODS OF MEDICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to substantiate the program for researching the health of adolescents in the Republic of Belarus, the results of which will allow developing targeted preventive measures. Materials and methods. Based on the data of our own research and published works, the analysis of the health problems of Belarusian adolescents in modern conditions is carried out. The features of this socio-demographic group as a specific object of medical and sociological research have been established. The age classifications of adolescence have been studied. The sociological tools used in various studies of adolescent health have been also analyzed. Results and conclusions. It has been determined that the main part of the causes of adolescents' deteriorations in health is of a socio-behavioral nature. The topical areas of research for further study, such as: identifying the specifics of the lifestyle and living conditions of adolescents, their relationship to health; assessment of the prevalence of potential risk factors in the adolescent population; assessment of the role of the family environment and the educational environment in shaping the health of adolescents, – have been highlighted. It was revealed that the study of the health of adolescents has its own specifics associated with the age factor. A sociological toolkit has been developed that makes it possible to conduct a comprehensive assessment of factors shaping the health of adolescents, to compare the data obtained from adolescents and their parents, and to identify the contribution and opportunities in solving the problem of the health of adolescents in the family and at school.