Citation

Lee RMK, How CH, Rajasegaran K. Singapore Med. J. 2019; 60(9): 439-445.

Affiliation

Adolescent Medicine Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Singapore Medical Association)

DOI

10.11622/smedj.2019112

PMID

31570948

Abstract

In the complex developmental period of puberty, adolescents experience biophysical changes and adapt to societal and cultural expectations of adulthood. Development of their sexuality is an important biopsychosocial change during this period that, when neglected, may result in unmet sexual and reproductive health needs. Patterns of behaviour in adolescence have repercussions across the lifespan. HEADSSS (home, education/employment/eating, activities, drugs, sexuality, sleep, suicide/depression and safety) is a systematic clinical screening tool for use with adolescents. Adolescents may view risk-seeking lifestyle patterns as appropriate behaviours, and physicians can help them recognise the risks and develop less harmful alternatives and strategies. Personal biases should not affect healthcare providers' duty to respect the rights of adolescents and ability to provide developmentally appropriate care. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with the relevant legal statutes in Singapore and refer suspected sexual abuse or violence, risk of self-harm, teenage pregnancy, newly diagnosed sexual transmitted infections or multiple risk-seeking behaviours for further evaluation and help.

Copyright: © Singapore Medical Association.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; psychosexual behaviour; sexual behaviour; sexual health