Understanding the Adolescent Health Issue
What is an adolescent health issue?
A health-related problem that commonly affects young people aged 13–18, impacting their Hauora.
What are the three main types of determinants of health that can impact adolescents health outcomes
Personal (age, genetics, gender), Lifestyle (substance use, exercise, diet etc) any of the social determinants
What are the four dimensions of Hauora?
Taha tinana (physical), taha hinengaro (mental/emotional), taha whānau (social), and taha wairua (spiritual).
What is a "health-enhancing strategy"?
An action that improves or maintains wellbeing.
What does “analyse” mean in this assessment?
To break down and explain how factors and consequences interrelate.
Give an example of a current adolescent health issue in New Zealand.
vaping, anxiety, body image concerns,stress and anxiety, social media use or substance use
Give one personal influence that can impact an adolescent’s health behaviour.
Knowledge, attitudes, self-esteem, or personal skills.
Give one short-term personal consequence of vaping.
Nicotine addiction, dizziness, or decreased physical performance.
Give one personal strategy to address vaping.
Setting goals to quit, tracking progress, or seeking counselling.
What’s the difference between describing and analysing?
Describing explains what happens; analysing explains why and how it happens.
Why is adolescence considered a key stage for developing health issues?
Because of major physical, emotional, and social changes, plus increased independence and peer influence.
How can interpersonal determinants increase the risk of vaping?
Peer pressure, family habits, or wanting to fit in can influence choices.
Give one long-term personal consequence of vaping.
Lung damage, ongoing addiction, or increased risk of smoking.
Give one interpersonal strategy to reduce a generic adolescent health issue.
Talking to supportive friends, teachers, or whānau members.
What does “critical thinking” mean in the context of health?
Considering multiple perspectives and deeper implications of an issue.
What is one reason vaping has become a significant adolescent health issue in NZ?
It’s seen as a “safer” alternative to smoking, with appealing flavours and marketing aimed at young people.
Give one societal determinant that contributes to adolescent health issues.
Media messages, access to healthcare, cultural norms, or government policies.
How might a health issue affect an adolescent’s whānau?
It can cause stress, conflict, or concern within the family.
Give one societal strategy that could help reduce vaping rates.
Government campaigns, vape sale restrictions, or school-based education.
What is needed to achieve Excellence in this standard?
Detailed, insightful analysis that shows how determinants, consequences, and strategies are connected.
Describe how an adolescent health issue can affect multiple dimensions of Hauora.
For example, vaping can harm taha tinana (physical), create stress (taha hinengaro), and damage relationships (taha whānau).
Luca has recently started hanging out with a new group of friends who all vape during breaks. They often tell Luca that “everyone does it” and joke that he’s boring for saying no. Luca doesn’t want to be left out, and because he often feels like he’s not good enough or doesn’t fit in, he decides to try vaping so the group will accept him.
Identify the two influences shown in this scenario that contribute to Luca’s decision to vape.
Interpersonal influence: Peer pressure from friends.
Personal influence: Low self-esteem or lack of confidence.
After vaping regularly for several months, Malia notices she gets short of breath during netball training and can’t keep up like she used to. She also starts feeling anxious when she doesn’t have her vape with her.
What consequence of vaping is Malia experiencing
Physical consequence: Reduced lung capacity and fitness (taha tinana).
Mental/emotional consequence: Anxiety and dependence on vaping (taha hinengaro).
Explain why it’s important that strategies address more than one level of influence.
Because health issues are complex. Addressing only one level won’t create lasting change.
(Excellence requirement)
Sienna is in Year 12 and has been feeling stressed about schoolwork and fitting in with her friend group. Most of her friends vape during lunchtime, and they often invite her to join. She knows her parents would disapprove, but she finds it hard to say no because she lacks confidence and doesn’t want to lose her friends. After a few weeks, she starts vaping regularly and notices she’s getting headaches and feeling guilty about hiding it from her whānau.
Identify one influence, one consequence, and one strategy that directly targets the influence you chose.
Influences:
Interpersonal – peer pressure from friends
Personal – low self-esteem/confidence
Societal – normalisation of vaping among teens
Consequences:
Physical – headaches and nicotine addiction
Mental/emotional – guilt and stress from hiding it
Strategy (targets influence):
If targeting peer pressure: Practise assertive communication or refusal skills.
If targeting low self-esteem: Build confidence through counselling or self-reflection activities.
If targeting societal norms: Engage with awareness campaigns or positive role models who challenge vaping culture.