Youth, their health needs and youth organisations : an analysis of the Diploma of Youth Studies curriculum as related to the needs of youth organisations

Abstract

The term Health Promotion upholds a holistic approach to health. Health promotion is no longer identified with health education but is the process of empowering people to increase control over their health. Young people are one of the targets of health promotion agents and organisations. Youth passes through a transition period which results in several biological, psychological and social changes. Health needs may be identified through their behaviour and attitudes. Families, peers, educational institutions, work and youth/voluntary organisations could also through their influence promote health. The aim of this work is to identify the different health needs locally. This is followed by an analysis of the present curriculum of the Diploma of Youth studies course. This will identify the importance of health promotion as part of the curriculum and the degree of which it should be introduced.