Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adolescents compose a significantly large age group, and attention to their health needs is lacking due to insufficient data and policy implementation globally and in India. India, having 268 million adolescents, faces the world's largest adolescent population, which highlights the importance of addressing their health requirements. The aim of this study was to describe the morbidity profiles of adolescent patients attending the State Adolescent Friendly Health Resource Centre at a tertiary-level healthcare institution in South India. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted at the State Adolescent Friendly Health Resource Center from 2022 to 2023. Data on adolescent health were collected from this center's OPD using a structured questionnaire, which included information on demographics, immunization status, chief complaints, and dietary intake. Diagnosis coding was done using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), with estimated energy and protein intake. RESULTS: The study analyzed 4,000 adolescent patients, with a nearly equal gender distribution across physical OPD and telemedicine services. Adolescent females between 15 and 16 years had more visits for consultation. Most patients were within the normal BMI range, and telemedicine was popular among females with normal BMI. Obesity was more common in males, while overweight was prevalent in females. Energy and protein intake varied across BMI categories, with obese individuals having the highest intake. The morbidity profiles revealed significant gender differences in healthcare utilization and disease patterns. CONCLUSION: Gender differences in adolescent morbidity and the underutilization of telemedicine highlight the need for tailored healthcare interventions and further research based on socioeconomic factors.