Key Issues in Assessing Health of Adolescents Getting Secondary Vocational Education

Abstract

Background: The Sverdlovsk Region is a large industrial area with a high demand for healthy workers. However, learning conditions in vocational schools, apart from study and work load, often have unsatisfactory sanitary and epidemiologic characteristics. Assessment of these factors is an important interdisciplinary task since they can affect health and professional fitness of graduates. Our objective was to analyze health indices in adolescents studying in secondary vocational schools of the Sverdlovsk Region. Materials and methods: We did a statistical analysis of health indices in 15 to 17-year-old adolescents based on data on seeking medical care, results of medical examinations, and disability rates in 2015–2019. Results: We observed a continuous increase in the regional rates of general morbidity and overall incidence (7.8% and 11.1%, respectively), pathological prevalence (16.8%), and disability (13.5%) among adolescents. One third of the regional teenagers studying in secondary vocational schools face additional medical, social, educational, and occupational risks. At present, it is impossible to assess health indicators by school types without conducting special studies. Conclusions: To preserve labor resources, it is necessary to introduce regular school-specific adolescent health monitoring and analysis. Investments in health protection of vocational school students will ensure high economic and social efficiency.