WHO defines adolescents as persons between 10-
19 years of age. They are large and growing segment
of global population. Many countries in the world are
undergoing demographic transition and therefore
today’s world is facing the largest generation of
adolescents ever in history. In Bangladesh, about 23%
of the total population is adolescent (Population
Census 2001)1.
Health and wellbeing of adolescents are challenged
by several environmental factors, including family,
peer group, school, neighbourhood, socioecomic
status, political instability, and sociocultural factors.2
They frequently indulge in health related risky behavior
with widespread consequences. More than 33 percent
of the disease burden and almost 60 percent of
premature deaths among adults stem from risky
behaviour and conditions adopted during period of
adolescence (WHO 2002).3 Many such risk
processes that lead to chronic non-communicable
diseases in later life, include tobacco, alcohol, and
illicit substance misuse, unsafe sex, malnutrition,
obesity, and lack of physical activity 4,5. Besides
health consequence, these issues often bring familial
sufferings and disharmony, social unrest and thus
disrupt peace in society.
Adolescence-related risk factors are existent across
the world although their magnitude varies from country
to country. Health need of this young generation is
poorly addressed by existing social attitude and current
health programmes. The Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) have incorporated only sexual and
reproductive health issue6. A growing concern of
immense public health importance has emerged
considering the potential impact of unhealthy
behaviours practized by adolescents. Therefore
diseases experienced during adolescence and risk
factors with their roots in adolescence should be
focused for attention.