Adolescent and Youth Health in India: A Comprehensive Review of Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions

Abstract

Adolescents and youth constitute nearly one-third of India’s population, representing a critical demographic segment with immense potential for national development, as well as unique health challenges. This population faces multifaceted health issues, including poor nutritional status, rising prevalence of overweight and obesity, mental health disorders, early initiation of substance use, sexual and reproductive health risks, and limited health literacy. Despite the existence of national policies and programs, such as the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), significant gaps remain in the availability, accessibility, and quality of adolescent-friendly health services, particularly for marginalized and rural populations. Socioeconomic disparities, gender inequities, cultural barriers, and inadequate awareness further exacerbate health risks among young people. This review synthesizes current evidence on the epidemiology of adolescent health issues in India, examines barriers to equitable healthcare access, and evaluates the effectiveness of existing interventions, including school-based programs, community initiatives, and digital health strategies. Based on this synthesis, the review proposes evidence-based recommendations for strengthening research, policy frameworks, and programmatic approaches to optimize adolescent and youth health outcomes in India. Strengthening comprehensive care, integrating mental health services, improving nutrition, promoting healthy lifestyles, and addressing gender and social inequities are essential for realizing the demographic dividend.