Adolescent Health, Responsibilities of Pediatrician

Adolescent health problems receive particular attention in the commemoration the 56th anniversary of the Medical Association of Indonesian Children (IDAI),. Adolescent health services are currently more focused on physical aspects and less touched psychosocial aspects.

According to Law No.23 year 2002, the child is someone who is not yet 18 years old, including children who are still in the womb. Adolescent health therefore also become the responsibility of pediatricians.

"Teenagers are a vulnerable period because it is necessary that they be escorted out of this period and become healthy adults," said Hegar dr.Badriul, Sp.A (K), General Chairman IDAI, in a seminar on adolescent health in Jakarta ( 16 / 6).

Changes in the adolescent phase includes the physical, the male hormone production and maturation of organs and women's physical, psychosocial aspects as well as cognitive and personality.

According dr.Soedjatmiko, Sp.A (K), the teen is a product of the infancy and toddler. Quality of an adult human being is also determined by adolescence. "Spectrum of youth is very broad, ranging from early teens at the age of 10 years ie until late adolescence at age 18 years," he said in the same opportunity.

He added, adolescent health services did not have to be handled a pediatrician, but not all general practitioners can be assessed to understand the problems teenagers. "Therefore, whatever the case, you should consult a doctor of children, unless there are other considerations, such as costs," said Soedjatmiko.

IDAI is currently preparing guidelines and codes of conduct adolescent health services in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.
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