Risk behavior in adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is a time of change that occurs between childhood and youth. It is marked by a change in expectations, not only in connection with sexual and reproductive functions, but also with social status. At this stage, risk behaviors occur more intensity which are those actions taken by the individual or community that may bring harmful consequences. The objective was to describe different criteria for risk behavior in adolescents both in Cuba and in the world as well as approaching closed communities. Textbooks and national and international biomedical journals, protocols, guidelines and programs in Cuba and from other countries on comprehensive care for adolescents were reviewed. At present, there is diversity of approaches to address risk behaviors of adolescents. This has made it difficult for the comprehensive approach to adolescent health. In closed communities, it has not been thoroughly studied risk behaviors of adolescents with a social focus. Ignorance of these issues is one of the root causes that lead to risk behaviors in adolescents, so these causes should be studied and policies and prevention should be implemented programs to reduce these behaviors and their consequences.