Citation

Mulye TP, Park MJ, Nelson CD, Adams SH, Irwin CE, Brindis CD. J. Adolesc. Health 2009; 45(1): 8-24.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0503, USA.

Comment In:

J Adolesc Health 2009;45(1):6

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.03.013

PMID

19541245

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.

Language: en