DOHA: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has introduced adolescent-friendly health services in selected health centres to improve health outcome of the youth in Qatar. The new services at Al Rayyan, West Bay and Madinat Khalifa health centres will focus on prevention and management of identified risk factors such as accidents, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), risky behaviours, mental health and adolescent reproductive health.
The new service will bridge a major gap in continuous healthcare provision in the country. There is clear evidence that many health problems begin at a young age and then continue into adult life. Obese teens are likely to become obese adults and around half of people with lifetime mental health problems experience their first symptoms by the age of 14. A number of physical and mental health issues are encountered during childhood and teenage years, and lack of attention to this age group may lead to lifelong consequences. Due to these reasons, good health services for this age group are important.
Currently, there is a dire lack in organised health promotion and preventive services for the adolescent age group here. The new PHCC services will provide high quality services ensuring effective assessment, treatment and support, for them and their families
The adolescent-friendly health service is among the priorities of the National Primary Health Care Strategy (NPHCS). The services will help the young population here to cope with physical and mental health changes they are going through, and help them build a successful future.
“The programme aims at detecting health-related problems among adolescents at an early stage,” said Dr Sadriya Al Kohji, Head of Child and Adolescent Health, PHCC.
“The detection of health-related problems among adolescents is done through the assessment of health status, measurement of the growth standards, clinical examination, vision screening and anaemia. It will also include an assessment of difficulties faced by the adolescent at home within the family environment, problems within the school setting, and learning difficulties. Moreover, risky behaviours, such as overuse or misuse of social media, and mental illnesses, including depression, hyperactivity, autism, anorexia nervosa, addiction, violence, will be assessed, along with sexual and reproductive health. The service promotes healthy behaviour and interaction between adolescents and their parents or guardians, according to evidence-based best practices,” Dr Al Khoji said.
All adolescents accessing the health centres with new service for any medical concern will be given subsequent appointments at the adolescent-friendly service. Health care providers within PHCC will obtain parental consent prior to the appointment and the provision of the service.
Adolescents are likely to only require a visit every two years, with a total of three visits between the ages of 10 and 18; the second and third of which will be booked by the adolescent’s guardians at the health centre.
Should the first assessment indicate the need for additional care, the adolescent will either be given another appointment with the same doctor or referred to other parties, with the guardian’s knowledge.
“Family and community are the key pillars in an adolescent’s life. Adolescents depend on their families, the surrounding environment, schools, health services to acquire a wide range of important skills that can help them deal successfully with the challenges they face in the transition from childhood to adulthood,” he said.
