Abstract:
In bringing this special issue of Contemporary Nurse to a conclusion, we would like to reflect on some of the health issues that impact on adolescents and young people.Though the majority of adolescents and young people experience very good mental and physical health (AIHW 2003) in comparison to other age groups, adolescence can be a period of high risk taking and habit forming behaviour, both of which can have long-term ramifications on health and wellbeing. During adolescence, health behaviours and patterns are set, and thus many health problems that will cause problems in later life are established (NSW Health 1999).
