NCERT Solution class 9 Health and Physical Education Chapter-14 Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS)
Answer the following questions
Q. 1. Why are special health services needed for adolescents? Give four reasons.
Answer:-
Need for Special Health Services for Adolescents
Adolescents require special health services due to their unique physical, emotional, and social challenges. Here are four key reasons:
- Physical and Nutritional Needs – Adolescents undergo rapid growth and development, requiring proper nutrition and healthcare to prevent deficiencies like anemia and malnutrition.
- Reproductive and Sexual Health Concerns – Many adolescents lack awareness about reproductive health, leading to misconceptions and risky behaviors. Special services provide guidance on hygiene, menstruation, and safe practices.
- Mental Health Support – Adolescents often experience stress, anxiety, and peer pressure, making mental health counseling essential for emotional well-being.
- Prevention of Substance Abuse – Many adolescents are vulnerable to drug, alcohol, and tobacco addiction. Special health services help in awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation.
Providing adolescent-friendly health services ensures proper guidance, support, and a safe environment for their overall well-being.
Q. 2. What are the common barriers which prevent adolescents from using the health facilities?
Answer:-
Common Barriers Preventing Adolescents from Using Health Facilities
Adolescents often face challenges in accessing healthcare services due to various social, economic, and psychological factors. Some common barriers include:
- Lack of Privacy and Confidentiality – Many adolescents hesitate to seek medical help due to concerns about their personal health information being disclosed.
- Limited Awareness – Some adolescents are unaware of the available health services or the types of care they can receive.
- Financial Constraints – High medical costs prevent many adolescents from accessing necessary healthcare.
- Social Stigma – Issues related to reproductive and sexual health are often considered taboo, discouraging adolescents from seeking medical advice.
- Inconvenient Timings – Health facilities may not operate at times suitable for adolescents, making it difficult for them to visit.
- Lack of Adolescent-Friendly Staff – Healthcare providers may not be trained to handle adolescent concerns with sensitivity and understanding.
Addressing these barriers through awareness programs, affordable healthcare, and adolescent-friendly services can improve access to essential health facilities.
Q. 3. Explain the various health needs of Adolescents.
Answer:-
Various Health Needs of Adolescents
Adolescents experience significant physical, emotional, and social changes, making it essential to address their health needs effectively. The key health needs of adolescents include:
1. Nutritional Needs
- Adolescents require a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates to support rapid growth and development.
- Deficiencies, such as anemia, are common due to poor dietary habits, especially among adolescent girls.
2. Reproductive and Sexual Health Needs
- Adolescents need accurate information about reproductive health, menstruation, and hygiene to prevent misconceptions.
- Awareness about safe practices helps in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and early pregnancies.
3. Mental Health Needs
- Adolescents often face stress, anxiety, and peer pressure, requiring emotional support and counseling.
- Encouraging positive self-esteem and coping strategies helps in maintaining mental well-being.
4. Prevention of Substance Abuse
- Many adolescents are vulnerable to drug, alcohol, and tobacco addiction, making awareness programs essential.
- Early intervention and counseling help in preventing substance abuse-related health issues.
5. Physical Fitness and Hygiene
- Regular exercise and sports improve physical health and prevent lifestyle diseases.
- Personal hygiene practices, such as proper skincare and oral care, are crucial for overall well-being.
Providing adolescent-friendly health services ensures proper guidance, support, and a safe environment for their overall well-being.
Q. 4. “Reproductive and sexual health problems are the most difficult to share with the AFHS doctor.” Why? Give at least three reasons.
Answer:-
Why Reproductive and Sexual Health Problems Are Difficult to Share with AFHS Doctors
Adolescents often hesitate to discuss reproductive and sexual health concerns with AFHS doctors due to various social and psychological barriers. Here are three key reasons:
- Lack of Privacy and Confidentiality – Many adolescents fear that their personal health issues may be disclosed, leading to embarrassment or social stigma.
- Judgmental Attitudes – Some adolescents worry that healthcare providers may judge them or discourage open discussions about sensitive topics.
- Myths and Misconceptions – Due to misinformation, adolescents may feel confused or hesitant to seek medical advice, fearing unnecessary procedures or social consequences.
Creating adolescent-friendly health services with trained, non-judgmental professionals can help in addressing these concerns effectively.
From Questions 4 to 7 tick (✅) the options which you feel are correct. You may tick more than one option.
Q. 1. Adolescents do not go to hospital due to:
(a) lack of privacy.
(b) not sure of confidentiality.
(c) cannot afford fees.
(d) timings not suitable.
(e) don’t feel comfortable.
Answer:-
The correct answer is all of the above—adolescents may avoid hospitals due to multiple barriers, including lack of privacy, concerns about confidentiality, financial constraints, inconvenient timings, and discomfort in seeking medical help.
These factors highlight the need for adolescent-friendly health services (AFHS) that ensure privacy, affordability, and accessibility to encourage young individuals to seek medical care without hesitation.
Q. 2. An Ideal facility for AFHS should
(a) be away from the city.
(b) have convenient timings.
(c) maintain privacy and confidentiality.
(d) be near the villages.
Answer:-
The correct answer is (b) have convenient timings and (c) maintain privacy and confidentiality.
An ideal Adolescent Friendly Health Service (AFHS) should be accessible, confidential, and convenient for adolescents. Privacy ensures that young individuals feel comfortable discussing their health concerns, while flexible timings allow them to seek medical help without disrupting their daily activities.
Q. 3. The staff in AFHS should:
(a) be specially trained staff who are able to understand the adolescent issues.
(b) be non-judgmental.
(c) respect adolescents.
(d) have a lot of patience and time to understand the adolescent problems.
Answer:-
The correct answer is all of the above—AFHS staff should possess all these qualities to effectively support adolescents.
Key Qualities of AFHS Staff:
- Specialized Training – Staff should be trained to understand adolescent health concerns, including physical, emotional, and social challenges.
- Non-Judgmental Approach – Adolescents should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without fear of criticism.
- Respect for Adolescents – Healthcare providers must treat adolescents with dignity and encourage open communication.
- Patience and Time – Understanding adolescent problems requires patience and a supportive attitude to address their concerns effectively.
These qualities ensure that AFHS provides safe, accessible, and adolescent-friendly healthcare services.
Q. 4. Special services delivered in AFHS are:
(a) sexual and reproductive health issues.
(b) nutrition counselling.
(c) treatment of cancer and acute diseases.
(d) prevention of substance abuse.
(e) eye operation.
(f) immunisation.
(g) specially challenged youth.
Answer:-
Special Services Delivered in Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS)
Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) provide specialized healthcare to address the unique needs of adolescents. The key services include:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues – Guidance on puberty, menstrual health, contraception, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Nutrition Counselling – Advice on balanced diets, prevention of malnutrition, and awareness about deficiencies like anemia.
- Prevention of Substance Abuse – Education on the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, along with rehabilitation support.
- Immunisation – Vaccination programs to protect adolescents from diseases like hepatitis, tetanus, and HPV.
- Support for Specially Challenged Youth – Healthcare and counseling services for adolescents with disabilities or special needs.
While AFHS primarily focuses on adolescent health concerns, treatment of cancer, acute diseases, and eye operations are generally handled by specialized medical facilities rather than AFHS centers.
Q. 5. List the services which you would like to be addressed in the AFHS.
Answer:-
Services That Should Be Addressed in Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS)
Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) should cater to the unique health needs of adolescents by providing specialized care and guidance. Some essential services that should be addressed include:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Services – Guidance on puberty, menstrual health, contraception, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Mental Health Counseling – Support for stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being.
- Nutrition and Diet Counseling – Advice on balanced diets, prevention of malnutrition, and awareness about deficiencies like anemia.
- Substance Abuse Prevention – Education on the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, along with rehabilitation support.
- Immunization Programs – Vaccination services to protect adolescents from diseases like hepatitis, tetanus, and HPV.
- Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Awareness – Information on skincare, oral hygiene, and overall cleanliness.
- Physical Fitness and Lifestyle Guidance – Encouragement of regular exercise, sports participation, and healthy habits.
- Support for Specially Challenged Adolescents – Healthcare and counseling services for adolescents with disabilities or special needs.
Providing these services ensures comprehensive adolescent healthcare, promoting their physical, mental, and social well-being.