Health perceptions and priorities among young men in Surat city: Workshop findings

Abstract

Adolescence is an important phase of development. Health behaviours acquired during this period, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, illicit drug use and risky sexual activity can affect health adversely, including when older. Mental health problems are also common in this age group.1 However, the global focus has only recently moved onto adolescents and young people. 2 The WHO call for global in 2002 was followed by many countries implementing adolescent health programmes. 3 In India, as in many countries, most programmes focus on adolescent girls' sexual and reproductive health. 4 Although young men aged 15 to 24 years account for 10% of India's population, their health needs are mostly unmet.5 We conducted workshops in slum areas of an industrial city, Surat, in Gujarat to explore young men's perceptions of health and health priorities and gain a better understanding of their access to health-related information and care..