Integrated Pediatric And Social Care Models Supporting Healthy Adolescent Development And Emotional Stability Across Diverse Communities

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial phase in our lives when physical, emotional and social growth are critical and well-coordinated healthcare and support services are crucial in promoting well-being. The effectiveness of the combined models of pediatric and social care in promoting healthy adolescent development and emotional stability in diverse communities was evaluated in this study. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 200 teenagers aged between 13 and 18 years and the data were collected using structured questionnaires and inquired on access to healthcare, familial support, educational activities, social activities and emotional health. Findings revealed that 68.5% (n = 137) of the study participants accessed integrated care services, 42.5% (n = 85) of participants reported to have experienced academic stress, 39.0% (n = 78) reported to have experienced anxiety symptoms, and 28.0% (n = 56) reported to have experienced social isolation. The adolescents who obtained integrated pediatric and social care had much better results in terms of emotional stability scores (4.31 ± 0.58) than the adolescents who obtained conventional services (3.47 ± 0.71, p < 0.001). Significant predictors of positive emotional outcomes were family support (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and pediatric healthcare access (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) and school counseling participation (β = 0.29, p = 0.002). In addition, it was found that there was a high positive correlation between integrated care participation and emotional well-being (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). These results indicate that coordinated pediatric and social care models have the potential to significantly improve the emotional stability, psychosocial well-being, and overall outcome of development in adolescents, and the need to develop collaborative strategies that include healthcare providers, families, schools, and community organizations.