The Vulnerable Adolescent: Raising Awareness of the Social and Economic Consequences of Adolescent Pregnancy

In The Vulnerable Adolescent: Raising Awareness of the Social and Economic Consequences of Adolescent Pregnancy, Dr. Noel Holder, AA, provides an in-depth exploration of adolescent pregnancy. Drawing on decades of research and public service in Guyana, Dr. Holder explores the socioeconomic consequences of adolescent pregnancy through a Guyanese lens and provides insight into the cultural and religious factors that influence young mothers and their communities.

The Vulnerable Adolescent discusses the psychosocial dilemmas of adolescent pregnancy, the impact of peer pressure, and the role of social norms and religion while highlighting the urgent need for pregnancy counseling and reintegration programs for adolescent mothers.

Leveraging personal experience, comprehensive research, and studies conducted by some of the world’s most respected public health organizations, Dr. Holder proposes a transformative program designed to initiate conversation and bring attention to this problem and ultimately facilitate pregnancy prevention. The CHANGE (challenge, holistic, awareness, negotiate, generate interest, and esteem) program offers an actionable pathway toward a new way of thinking for youths and their families.

The Vulnerable Adolescent is a valuable resource for parents, educators, social workers, and faith practitioners alike—a powerful call to action for those committed to helping young souls truly thrive.

About the Author:

Reverend Dr. Noel Holder, AA, is a distinguished health professional and academic with over four decades of experience in the medical field. After starting his career as a nurse, he advanced to postgraduate certification in midwifery, dedicating several years to working with children and women in pediatric, obstetric, and gynecology wards. His experiences in these roles ignited his passion for advocating for the health of those most in need.

Prior to his position as director of the School of Nursing in the College of Medical Sciences at the University of Guyana, Dr. Holder served as a lecturer and head of the Department of Public Health, where he oversaw degree programs in nursing, environmental health, medical rehabilitation, and optometry. Over the years, he has fostered community participation and enhanced public health at the local, regional, and national levels through his work in Guyana.

As a researcher, Dr. Holder has made significant contributions to understanding the social and economic consequences of adolescent pregnancy. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, Dr. Holder was awarded a Golden Arrow of Achievement, the second-highest national award by the Guyanese government, in 2018. Dr. Holder also serves as a minister of the gospel and a moderator in the Guyana Congregational Union.

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