Distribution of Comprehensive Health Indicators in Adolescence from the Perspective of Social Inequalities in Argentina

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical period of the life course in which bio and psychosocial changes occur at great speed. This period is characterized by an accelerated rate of growth, changes in body composition, sexual and reproductive maturation, and the progressive development of new social, cognitive, and emotional abilities. Although adolescence is considered a stage of opportunities to promote the development of capacities and enhance health, it also constitutes a period of considerable risks. The main health problems affecting young people are malnutrition; the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs; unprotected sex and its consequences, such as unintentional pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases; violence and trauma; and mental disorders. In addition, the historical and social context can have a determining influence on adolescents' health and quality of life. Approximately half of the population between the ages of 13 and 17 live in low-income poverty. In Argentina, there are heterogeneous scenarios that reveal deep social inequalities, which are also replicated in other Latin American countries. Thus, several health indicators must be reviewed within the framework of their socio-environmental contexts. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a socio-territorial analysis of health indicators, in order to visualize a complete and comprehensive scenario of the adolescent health situation in Argentina. In particular, were analyzed the proportion of adolescents with obesity, physical activity indicators, food consumption indicators (sugary drinks, fruits, and vegetables), toxic habits (alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use), early sexual experience and condom use, and mental health indicators, using data obtained from the World School Health Survey (2012). The geographical distribution of each of these indicators is represented through maps at the provincial level, in some cases by sex. Simultaneously, socioeconomic indicators were illustrated using proportional symbols, superimposed on the choropleth maps of each indicator analyzed. The study of socio-territorial inequalities in health can contribute as sustenance for the design of policies and programs aimed at reducing differences in regard to health, which are judged as arbitrary, avoidable, and unfair.