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Volume 45, Issue 1, Pages 8-24 (July 2009)


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Trends in Adolescent and Young Adult Health in the United States

Tina Paul Mulye, M.P.H.a, M. Jane Park, M.P.H.aCorresponding Author Informationemail address, Chelsea D. Nelson, B.A.a, Sally H. Adams, Ph.D.a, Charles E. Irwin Jr., M.D.a, Claire D. Brindis, Dr.PH.ab

Received 6 September 2008; accepted 19 March 2009.

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.

See Editorial p. 6

a Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California

b Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, 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.

PII: S1054-139X(09)00124-4

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.03.013


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