ANALYSIS OF THE LEVEL AND STRUCTURE OF PATHOLOGIES AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

Background. Assessment of the health indicators of adolescents, among which morbidity indicators occupy a leading place, makes it possible to determine the need of this age group for preventive measures, as well as to evaluate their effectiveness. Objective. To study the level and etiological structure of pathologies among adolescents residing in the Republic of Belarus. Material and methods. A sample of 1118 people aged 10-18 years was studied. The data was obtained by extracting information from primary medical documentation. Results. It was established that the prevalence of pathologies in the general group of adolescents is 1568.87 [1488.45; 1649.30] cases per 1000 people. The main factors aggravating the health status of adolescents are such classes of diseases and pathological conditions as eye diseases (in the vast majority, myopia), diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (primarily postural disorders and flat feet), congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (in 88.59% cases – congenital anomalies of the circulatory system), diseases of the digestive system (in a quarter of cases – gastritis, duodenitis). The main contributors to these pathologies are schoolrelated ones. It was revealed that less than 20% of 10-18-year-olds are absolutely healthy, almost 2/3 of the surveyed have risk factors for the development of diseases and almost one out of six has a chronic pathology in the compensation stage. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate the need to improve preventive measures aimed to minimize pathologies caused by learning, the need to introduce targeted prevention programs, as well as to improve medical and psychological-pedagogical support for students.