Young Adult Health Promotion

Young Adult Health Promotion

Despite increased abilities across developmental realms,  including the maturation of pain systems involving self-regulation and  the coordination of affect and cognition, the transition to young  adulthood is accompanied by higher rates of mortality, greater  engagement in health-damaging behaviors, and an increase in chronic  conditions. Rates of motor vehicle fatality and homicide peak during  young adulthood, as do mental health problems, substance abuse,  unintentional pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections.

Describe how the advanced practice nurse can play a role in  improving the health of young adults through preventive screening and  intervention.

Post your discussion to the Moodle Discussion Forum. Every  student must provide a substantive response to the topic of the  discussion (the initial post must be minimum 500 words) and post a  minimum of two additional responses to peers (minimum 150 words). Please  submit by Thursday 11:59pm,

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APA

Young Adult Health Promotion

Improving Young Adult Health Through Preventive Screening and Intervention: The Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse

The transition to young adulthood (ages 18–26) is a critical developmental stage characterized by increased autonomy, evolving identity, and maturation of cognitive and emotional regulation. Despite these developmental advancements, this period is also marked by elevated risk for morbidity and mortality due to health-damaging behaviors, accidents, violence, and emerging chronic conditions (Sawyer et al., 2023). Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are uniquely positioned to address these vulnerabilities through proactive, developmentally tailored preventive screening and interventions that promote long-term health trajectories.

1. Comprehensive Preventive Screening
APNs can implement evidence-based screening protocols to identify early health risks and intervene before complications arise. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide guidelines for routine assessments in young adults, including:

• Mental health: Screening for depression, anxiety, and suicide risk using validated tools such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 (Siu et al., 2023).

• Substance use: Implementing SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) to identify risky alcohol or drug use patterns (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2024).

• Sexual and reproductive health: Regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), offering contraception counseling, and ensuring HPV vaccination completion.

• Injury prevention: Assessing driving behaviors, seatbelt use, and firearm safety.

• Chronic disease risk: Monitoring BMI, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and….