Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 45, Issue 1 , Pages 8-24, July 2009

Trends in Adolescent and Young Adult Health in the United States

  • Tina Paul Mulye, M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California
    • ,
  • M. Jane Park, M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to: M. Jane Park, M.P.H., UCSF Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Box 0503, LH 245, San Francisco, CA 94143-0503.
    • ,
  • Chelsea D. Nelson, B.A.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California
    • ,
  • Sally H. Adams, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California
    • ,
  • Charles E. Irwin Jr., M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California
    • ,
  • Claire D. Brindis, Dr.PH.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California
    • Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, San Francisco, California

Received 6 September 2008; accepted 19 March 2009.

See Editorial p. 6

Abstract 

This review presents a national health profile of adolescents and young adults (ages 10–24). The data presented include trends on demographics, mortality, health-related behaviors, and healthcare access and utilization, as well as the most significant gender and racial/ethnic disparities. Although the data show some improvement, many concerns remain. Encouraging trends—such as decreases in rates of homicide, suicide, and some measures of reproductive health—appear to be leveling off or, in some cases, reversing (e.g., birth and gonorrhea rates). Large disparities, particularly by race/ethnicity and gender, persist in many areas. Access to quality healthcare services remains a challenge, especially during young adulthood. Policy and research recommendations to improve health during these critical periods in the lifespan are outlined.

Keywords: Adolescence, Young adulthood, Mortality, Risky behavior, Demographics, Healthcare access and utilization

 

PII: S1054-139X(09)00124-4

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.03.013

Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 45, Issue 1 , Pages 8-24, July 2009

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