Global Adolescent Health from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 - Introduction to adolescent health: developmental and ecological perspectives (Part I)

Welcome! Before getting started on this week’s content, be sure to review the materials under the ‘Introduction’ section below to help you get the most out of this course, whatever your learning goals may be. This week we set the scene for adolescent health as a critical area of human health and development. We introduce the conceptual framework used throughout the course, which will assist greatly in building your learning across each week of material. We discuss different definitions of adolescence and young adulthood, and explore how the biological and social transitions associated with this period of life- and our understanding of them- have changed over time.

Week 2 - Introduction to adolescent health: developmental and ecological perspectives (Part II)

This week we return to our conceptual framework and unpack the key concepts of social determinants of health and risk and protective factors. We explore what these terms mean and how they influence and shape adolescent health and development. We also begin to apply this knowledge at a practical level in terms of the interventions and actions we can take to improve or maintain health and wellbeing during the adolescent and young adult years, or prevent problems from happening in the first place.

Week 3 - Major health problems of adolescents (Part I)

This week we explore our conceptual framework for adolescent health as it relates to health-related behaviours and states and health outcomes. By that we mean, how do the biological, social, economic and other influences that we have discussed so far play out in terms of adolescent health outcomes (e.g. death and disability) and behaviours (e.g. those relating to sexual activity or substance use)? What are the major health issues affecting young people around the world today, and how does this differ by region, gender and other variables? We will explore the latter question over the course of this week and next, with the focus this week predominantly on sexual and reproductive health and mental health.

Week 4 - Major health problems of adolescents (Part II)

This week continues last week's focus on the 'health-related behaviours and states' and 'health outcomes' components of our conceptual framework. We will discuss some of the other major health topics and issues affecting adolescents and young adults around the world today, including infectious diseases, chronic illness and disability, nutrition, physical activity and obesity. We will also highlight injury as a leading cause of death and major cause of disability in young people, and build on last week's discussion of sexual, reproductive and mental health.

Week 5 - Adolescent health policy, programming and intervention (Part I)

This week we set the scene for understanding the policy and practice context of adolescent health and development through reviewing the functions of family and family policy, the value of education as a resource for health, and the wider influences of peers, advertising and marketing, taxation, legislation and social media in shaping adolescent behaviours.

Week 6 - Adolescent health policy, programming and intervention (Part II)

This week we continue our exploration of the policy and practice context of adolescent health and development by focusing on the role of health services in responding to the burden of disease experienced by young people. We discuss the elements of quality healthcare for young people and what adolescent-friendly health care means at an individual practitioner and service level. We also highlight the challenge of monitoring and communicating the health status of adolescents at a national and global level, why nations need to be held to account for investing in appropriate actions that promote the health of their young people, and how to promote positive and meaningful youth participation.

As this marks the final week of learning material for this course (Weeks 7 and 8 are devoted to the completion and evaluation of Assignment 2 for those interested), we also discuss learning and networking opportunities beyond GAH for those of you who would like to continue this journey.

Weeks 7 - 8 (no new content)

Weeks 7 and 8 do not feature any new course material and are for the development, submission and peer marking of the second written assignment for those wishing to do so. Please be sure to review the intro video below for some important information before getting started.

We would also greatly appreciate your feedback on this course via the end of course survey below if you have not already done so- it is so critical for us in our efforts to ensure we are providing our students with the best experience possible. Thank you!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Students who are interested in adolescent health

Health professionals, nurses, social workers, and other professionals who work with young people

Policymakers and health advocates who are interested in improving the health of young people

Students and researchers in public health, global health, or related fields

Individuals who are interested in learning more about the health and well-being of young people

Reviews summary

Informative adolescent health course

According to students, this course is quite informative when it comes to adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Learners say the course is well structured and helps them gain the skills they need to manage adolescent sexual and reproductive health programs.

Course is well organized and easy to follow.

Covers important topics in adolescent health.

"This course is so important for people who are managing adolescent sexual and reproductive health programs."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Adolescent Health with these activities:

Review Academic Writing Skills

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Solidify writing skills to enhance academic and professional communication.

Browse courses on Academic Writing

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Review writing guidelines and expectations from previous academic courses.
Practice brainstorming and outlining essay topics.
Write a short essay draft and seek feedback from peers or a writing tutor.

Review Adolescent Development

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Refresh your understanding of adolescent biological, social, and psychological development to provide a strong foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Adolescent Development

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Review your notes or textbook from a previous course on adolescent development, if applicable.
Read articles or watch videos on key concepts related to adolescent development, such as puberty, identity formation, and peer relationships.
Take a practice quiz or test to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you may need to focus your review.

Explore Online Resources for Adolescent Health

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Expand your knowledge and understanding of adolescent health by exploring reputable online resources.

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Identify reputable websites and organizations that provide information on adolescent health.
Review articles, reports, or fact sheets on specific adolescent health topics.
Create a collection of links or bookmarks to valuable online resources.

Two other activities

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Practice Identifying Health Risks and Protective Factors

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Develop your ability to recognize and analyze the factors that influence adolescent health and well-being.

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Review the conceptual framework for adolescent health used in the course.
Analyze case studies or scenarios to identify health risks and protective factors.
Develop a list of common health risks and protective factors for adolescents.

Develop an Adolescent Health Education Campaign

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Apply your knowledge and skills to create a campaign that promotes adolescent health and well-being.

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Identify a specific adolescent health issue or topic to focus on.
Develop a message and materials that are relevant and engaging for adolescents.
Choose appropriate channels to disseminate your campaign, such as social media, print materials, or school-based programs.

Career center

Learners who complete Global Adolescent Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Health Educator

The field of Health Education revolves around the dissemination of information, creation of awareness, and development of strategies for positive health outcomes. To do this work, an understanding of the factors that contribute to health, health outcomes, and health disparities is essential. This course would help a Health Educator to understand youth perspectives, barriers, and motivations for improving their health. It would also introduce the social determinants of health and how they can be used to develop health education interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst seeks to develop and analyze policies that have the greatest impact on human lives and well-being. As such, one must be familiar with health outcomes, barriers to receiving care, and what constitutes quality health care. This course provides a solid foundation for understanding adolescent health and the major issues that affect young people globally and within regions.

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Youth Worker

Youth Work can be in a variety of settings -- from social service organizations to churches to schools. In each case, the core of the role is to help young people thrive, providing guidance to help build a positive future and overcome personal obstacles. This course will give Youth Workers a better understanding of the factors affecting adolescent health, the actions that can be taken to improve adolescence, and the ways in which young people may be more at risk than others their age.

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Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses work with entire communities to help them improve their health and well-being. In particular, they may work to educate people about health-related issues and behaviors and to provide healthcare services to vulnerable populations. This course would help a Public Health Nurse to understand the health issues that affect adolescents in particular, giving the nurse the ability to better serve this population.

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Health Promotion Specialist

Health Promotion Specialists work to improve the health of individuals and communities by promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles. To effectively do this work, it is essential to understand the factors that influence individual and group behavior, especially the factors that affect young people during adolescence. This course is an opportunity to build that understanding through learning about how social and biological factors can influence health-related behaviors and outcomes.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants help healthcare organizations be more efficient and effective. This can mean advising them on best practices for healthcare provision, developing or modifying organizational strategies, and studying the healthcare market to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. This course will help a Healthcare Consultant to understand the effects that families, education, legislation, and marketing have on young people as they develop and make decisions related to their own health.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and perform a variety of medical and surgical procedures. They must have an understanding of the full spectrum of health issues that affect every population, including adolescents. This course will introduce the Physician's Assistant to adolescent-specific health issues, helping to build a foundation for working with this population.

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Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers are boots-on-the-ground healthcare providers. They are essential in providing immediate health services, resources, and information to specific and underserved communities. They also bridge the gap between the mainstream healthcare system and these communities. This course will help Community Health Workers to aid adolescents in building positive health habits.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses work directly with patients to provide a wide range of healthcare services, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing wound care. A Registered Nurse must have a basic understanding of every aspect of human health, including the unique challenges facing adolescents. This course may be helpful in building a foundation for working with this group.

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Family Physician

Family Physicians are healthcare providers who focus on the overall health and well-being of individuals and families. Adolescents face unique health challenges related to both their physical and mental health. This course may be useful for a Family Physician who works with or is interested in working with adolescent patients.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with problems that are rooted in societal structures and interpersonal relationships by providing counseling, advocacy, and crisis intervention. This course may be useful to a Social Worker by helping them to build a foundation for understanding the factors that contribute to adolescent health.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists are medication experts who work with doctors or other healthcare providers to help patients get the medications they need. They must understand the effects of medications on all populations, including adolescents who may be more vulnerable to the effects of certain drugs.

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Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist studies the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in a population. Adolescents have unique health challenges and are vulnerable to certain illnesses at different rates than the general population. This course may be useful to an Epidemiologist who is interested in studying adolescent health.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists work with people to help them achieve their health goals through healthy eating. Adolescence is a critical time for developing healthy eating habits, and this course may be useful for a Nutritionist who works with adolescent clients.

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Teacher

Teachers work with students to help them develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Adolescence is a time of significant growth and development, and this course may be useful for a Teacher who works with adolescent students, especially if they incorporate health education into their curriculum.

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