Child Population Health
Adolescents and young people with long-term conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, and inflammatory bowel disease, benefit from understanding their health conditions and learning how best to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Prioritising high-quality healthcare and supportive health policies is essential to their overall quality of life. We aim to help adolescents and young people who have been diagnosed with long-term conditions understand their condition and how best to improve their own health.
Reducing Long Term Conditions Projects
For young people, early diagnosis of IBD is essential to manage disease progression effectively and minimise the risk of severe complications. Timely intervention can also reduce the likelihood of surgeries and support better overall health outcomes.
Promoting positive body image and self-esteem in children can help mitigate the mental health issues linked to higher weight during adolescence. This approach is essential for fostering long-term emotional well-being and resilience.
Nearly 70% of adolescents and young adults with ulcerative colitis stop medication within a year of diagnosis, increasing risk of disease relapse and complications. The study highlights the need for follow-up by GPs, particularly for those from deprived areas, to improve adherence and address potential barriers to medication access.