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Facts about Adolescents in India
(Summary)
Adolescents are considered to be healthy since
mortality in this age group is relatively low. However, mortality is a
misleading measure of adolescent health. In fact, the adolescents do have a
range of health problems that cause a lot of morbidity as well as definite
mortality. The most prominent health issues in developing countries are
Malnutrition and Anemia, Adolescent pregnancy with attendant complications
and a higher maternal mortality and infant mortality, STIs
including HIV - about 35 % new infections of HIV occur in 15-24 years age,
Substance use, Depression, Suicide, Injuries and Violence. Some facts about adolescents in India
are presented here. For a full picture please see the link document.
 Anemia and Stunting are widely prevalent,
especially in girls
50% girls are
married by 18 years (NFHS 2)
Adolescents (15-19
years) contribute 19% of TFR (NFHS 2)
Adolescent pregnancy
is common with a higher maternal mortality
Unmet need for
contraception (15-19 years) 27% (NFHS 2)
Contraceptive use
among (15-19 years) of modern methods is 4.7% (NFHS 2)
Premarital sexual
relations are increasing
Trafficking and
prostitution has increased
RTIs are common in young women
Misconceptions about
HIV/AIDS are wide spread
40% start taking
drugs & substance abuse between 15-20 years (UNODC, 2002)
Nearly one out of
three in 15-19 years is working (Census 2001)
School drop-out rates are high
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