Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42469808›Full record

SynthesisBMC health services research2026

Bridging the gap between policy and practice in adolescent health services: evidence from Indian primary public health centers.

Ramesh Kumar Sangwan, Praveen Suthar, Simran Arora, Ritu Choudhary, Deependra Kajla, Mukti Khetan, Parul Kumawat, Diksha Chaudhary, Kamayani Mahawar, Pankaj Bhardwaj and 2 more

Abstract readSystematic Review
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Synthesis in BMC health services research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Ramesh Kumar SangwanICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India.
Praveen SutharICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India. pl.suthar316@gmail.com.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4960-6965
Simran AroraICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India.
Ritu ChoudharyICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India.
Deependra KajlaICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India.
Mukti KhetanICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India.
Parul KumawatICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India.
Diksha ChaudharyICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India.
Kamayani MahawarICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India.
Pankaj BhardwajICMR-National Institute on Implementation Research for Non- Communicable Diseases (NIIRNCD), Jodhpur, India.
Sumit AggrawalICMR-Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India.
Naresh MidhaAll India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, India.

Funding

Indian Council of Medical Research 5/9/7/IM/HWC/2025
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundIndia's 243 million adolescents (21% of the population) face nutritional deficiencies, sexual and reproductive health concerns, mental health disorders, and rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite policies like Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), major implementation gaps remain across public health facilities.

methodsThis scoping review, guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, assessed adolescent health services at Health and Wellness Centers, Primary Healthcare Centers, and Sub-Health Centers from 2015 to 2025. Three electronic databases were searched, with standardized data extraction, expert consultation and thematic analysis mapped RKSK's four pillars. Study quality was appraised using the MMAT (2018 version).

resultsOut of 1,371 records, only 11 met the inclusion criteria. Just 12.5% of facilities provided dedicated adolescent services. A study by Prasad et al. in 2024 reported that only 12.5% of assessed facilities provided dedicated adolescent-specific services and 6% of HWCs offered adolescent care. Barriers comprised lack of privacy, staff shortages, provider bias against unmarried youth (25%), supply chain issues, weak referral systems, poor intersectoral coordination, cultural stigma, and the need for parental consent requirements. Opportunities exist through digital health (78% smartphone use among adolescents), Stakeholder consultation participants estimated adolescent smartphone access at about 78% in the Sikar district. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), community engagement, and innovative service models.

conclusionsDespite strong policy frameworks, persistent gaps are evident, with malnutrition (27.4% stunted growth) and rising obesity rates highlighting the urgency. Strengthening services demands political commitment, adequate financing, and culturally sensitive approaches to transform adolescent health and leverage India's demographic potential.

Indexed as

Adolescent Health ServicesHealth PolicyPrimary Health CareAdolescentHealth Services AccessibilityHumansIndiaAdolescent health servicesAyushman Arogya MandirImplementation barriersPrimary healthcare IndiaRashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram

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