Young adulthood is pivotal phase that encompasses significant physical, emotional, and cognitive transformations. However, it’s also characterized by increased health-damaging behaviors and mortality rates. Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) are instrumental in enhancing young adults’ health outcomes through preventive screenings and interventions. APNs can tackle specific health challenges prevalent among young adults, including motor vehicle fatalities, mental health issues, substance misuse, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Preventive Screening and Intervention for Motor Vehicle Fatalities
Motor vehicle fatalities are predominant cause of death among young adults. APNs can significantly mitigate this by educating young adults about safe driving practices such as obeying traffic laws, using seatbelts, and refraining from alcohol or drug-impaired driving. Secondly, they can advocate for policy changes that can enhance road safety. This can encompass stricter drunk-driving laws, graduated driver’s license programs, and better enforcement of speed limit regulations.
Preventive Screening and Intervention for Mental Health Problems
Young adulthood is often when mental health issues peak, making it imperative for APNs to address this concern. They can improve mental health by conducting screenings for early detection of disorders like anxiety and depression, leading to prompt intervention (Lai et al., 2022). In addition, APNs trained in mental health can offer therapeutic services and counseling, aiding individuals in stress management, developing coping mechanisms, and overall emotional well-being enhancement. APNs can also refer young adults to community mental health resources and support groups for holistic approach to care.
Preventive Screening and Intervention for Substance Abuse
Substance misuse is significant health issue among young adults. APNs can contribute to its reduction by offering evidence-based education and prevention strategies. These strategies could inform young adults about health risks of substance abuse and emphasize importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle and seeking help (Gallagher‐Ford et al., 2020). Furthermore, APNs can screen for substance use disorders, providing brief interventions for at-risk people. They can employ motivational interviewing techniques and goal setting to motivate behavior change. In addition, they can collaborate with addiction specialists and rehabilitation services to ensure comprehensive care.
Preventive Screening and Intervention for Unintentional Pregnancies
Unplanned pregnancies can substantially impact health and well-being of young adults. APNs have a vital role in their prevention by providing comprehensive contraceptive counseling, helping young adults make informed decisions about contraceptive methods that suit their needs (Charron et al., 2020). They can also prescribe and provide access to contraceptives. Moreover, APNs can offer family planning services and preconception care. The latter involves guidance on optimizing health before pregnancy, like managing chronic conditions that could affect pregnancy outcomes.
Preventive Screening and Intervention for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Young adults are susceptible to STIs due to risky sexual behaviors. APNs can mitigate this through education about safe sex practices, regular STI testing, and importance of communication about sexual health with partners (Rutstein et al., 2022). They can offer confidential STI screenings and early detection and treatment of common infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. If young adult tests positive for an STI, APNs can provide counseling, support with notifying partners, and information on treatment options.
Conclusion
APNs are essential in enhancing health of young adults through preventive screenings and interventions. They can guide young adults toward informed health decisions by tackling health challenges such as motor vehicle fatalities, mental health issues, substance misuse, unplanned pregnancies, and STIs. Through education, screening, counseling, and interprofessional collaboration, APNs can reduce mortality rates, promote healthier behaviors, and improve health outcomes for young adults. Therefore, it’s crucial for APNs to actively identify and address these health challenges to positively impact health and well-being of young adults during this vital phase.
References
Charron, E., Mayo, R. M., Heavner-Sullivan, S. F., Eichelberger, K. Y., Dickes, L., Truong, K. D., & Rennert, L. (2020). “It’s a very nuanced discussion with every woman”: Health care providers’ communication practices during contraceptive counseling for patients with substance use disorders. Contraception, 102(5), 349–355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2020.09.002
Gallagher‐Ford, L., Koshy Thomas, B., Connor, L., Sinnott, L. T., & Melnyk, B. M. (2020). The Effects of an Intensive Evidence‐Based Practice Educational and Skills Building Program on EBP Competency and Attributes. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 17(1), 71–81. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12397
Lai, K. Y. C., Hung, S.-F., Lee, H. W. S., & Leung, P. W. L. (2022). School-Based Mental Health Initiative: Potentials and Challenges for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.866323
Rutstein, S. E., Matoga, M., Chen, J. S., Mathiya, E., Ndalama, B., Nyirenda, N., Bonongwe, N., Chithambo, S., Chagomerana, M., Tegha, G., Hosseinipour, M. C., Herce, M. E., Jere, E., Krysiak, R. G., & Hoffman, I. F. (2022). Integrating Enhanced HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Into a Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic in Lilongwe: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study. JMIR Research Protocols, 11(12), e37395. https://doi.org/10.2196/37395
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