A review of relevant literature is undertaken to provide a foundation for this study.

Up until the last decade, adolescent health inequalities have received less attention than those of adults
and young children (Currie et al., 2008). In Canada there has been relatively limited research into the
health of the adolescent population (Geddes et al., 2005).

Due to the distinctive health behaviors and concerns that affect adolescents, it is evident that this
faction of the population deserves specific attention.

Data sources that track and link adolescent health are limited. It has been identified that the availability
of data sources is a challenge when examining child and adolescent health (Currie et al., 2008)

1.3.1 The McCreary Centre Society Adolescent Health Survey, 2008

The McCreary Centre Society (MCS) Adolescent Health Survey (AHS) was undertaken in 1993, 1998,
2003 and 2008. These surveys of approximately 30,000 students in grades 7 to 12 in BC schools are
collected to produce statistically reliable estimates at the HSDA level for each grade surveyed (Saewyc &
Green, 2009). The AHSs are a rich dataset that cover a range of topics.

Defining adolescence becomes particularly challenging because it is marked by dynamic development

and has many biological and social influences (Beaujot & Kerr, 2007; Dahl, 2008; Gaudet, 2007)

1.5.2 Adolescent Health and Wellness

Adolescence is recognized as a period of increased desire for independence, experimentation, and an

aspiration to discover the world and is characterized by change, growth and risk (Stangler & Zweig,
2008)

Many adolescents will experiment with risky behaviours, including unsafe substance use and sexual
experimentation exposing themselves to health risks, while some continue on such a path of high risk
behaviour well into adulthood thereby incrementally increasing their exposure to health risks (CCSD,
2008).

Adolescents are often considered vulnerable or at risk of poor health and wellness outcomes due to
increased independence from parents and social protectors along with increased peer influences
(Chassin et al., 1988).

Contemporary focus of much North American research has pointed out the negative elements of
adolescence, such as unhappiness, anxiety, depression and harmful behaviours. This creates a view of
adolescents as placing a strain on society (Moore et al., 2004; Scales, 2001). It is important that policy
and decision makers know what types of risky health behaviours are prevalent, but research should also
examine positive elements of adolescent health and wellness (Moore et al., 2004). Positive health
outcomes are associated with a beneficial transition into adulthood as well as an enhancement of the
present health and wellness of adolescents (Stagner & Zweig, 2008).

Adolescents are part of a unique cohort that has many distinct health behaviours.
Definition of Adolescence: The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) defines adolescence as beginning at
the onset of physiologically normal puberty, and ending when adult identity and behaviour are
established. According to the CPS this period of development corresponds roughly to the period
between the ages of 10 and 19 years, which is consistent with the World Health Organizations
definition (WHO, 2008).

WHO defined health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity (WHO, 1948).

Adolescents themselves have limited economic power, lack occupational social status, and maybe
unaware or unwilling to disclose of their parents financial standings (Currie et al., 2008). Thus, asking
the youth their material well-being may yield incorrect results.