History taking on young's health problems

As the health issues of young people are mostly sensitive in nature, it is good to start with the least sensitive or non-sensitive issues.

For example, instead of asking at the beginning "Are you sexually active?" which is very threatening to the young person, starting with "Where do you live?", "Do you go to school?" will help to open up the young person. Where possible, use the third person (indirect questions). It is good to ask first about friends' activities rather than directly about their activities. For example, rather than asking a young person directly, "Do you drink alcohol?" you could ask, "Do any of your friends drink?" If the young person replies, "Yes", you could then ask, "Have you ever joined them?" This can lead to other questions, such as "How often do you drink?" etc

In addition to the presenting problems, the young people may have other health concerns and concerns but may not say anything about them unless directly asked to do so. It is useful to go beyond the presenting problem and ask them if they have any other health problem.

Sometimes it may not be necessary to deal with each and every issue but depending on their context, you may need to adjust the points you discuss with them. Some young persons are courageous enough to disclose their needs directly. In this case, you can directly address their concerns. For example, if the young person tells you that they want you to give them condoms, you can now start discussing sexual behaviour instead of asking them about home, education, activity, etc

Even if young people come to the health post for health problems other than RH, you should assess them for sexual activity (whether they are at risk of STIs/HIV or pregnancy), substance abuse, and sexual abuse.