title: Trends in adolescent and young adult health in the United States.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0503, USA.
authors.forename: Tina Paul
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Mulye
authors.forename: M Jane
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Chelsea D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Sally H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Charles E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Irwin
authors.forename: Claire D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Brindis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009026:Mortality; D012309:Risk-Taking; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult