Publisher's Synopsis
Minority adolescents are at increased risk for numerous health problems but are less likely to have a regular source of medical care than either adults or children. During this critical developmental period, adolescents establish behaviour patterns that set the stage for adulthood, creating a unique window of opportunity for clinicians and health care professionals to intervene and promote health. This collection guides the efforts to understand and develop innovative, effective and culturally-sensitive approaches for minority youth populations.;The book first lays out the complex matrix of developmental, biological and sociocultural issues affecting minority youth. The next section delves into the specific health-compromising and health-promoting behaviours that need to be targeted, including drug abuse and violence, sexually transmitted diseases, physical activity, diet, female health issues and chronic health risks. A culturally-sensive review of effective intervention approaches follows. The volume concludes with an examination of special problems of health care access and health policies confronting minority youth.
