NAHIC || National Adolescent and Young Adult Health Information Center http://nahic.ucsf.edu Wed, 09 May 2012 18:23:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Young Adult Preventive Health Guidelines: There But Can’t Be Found http://nahic.ucsf.edu/young-adult-preventive-health-guidelines-there-but-cant-be-found/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/young-adult-preventive-health-guidelines-there-but-cant-be-found/#comments Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:28:41 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=3566 This study by researchers in the Division of Adolescent Medicine sought to 1) identify existing adolescent and adult clinical preventive services guidelines relevant to the young adult age group; 2) review, compare, and synthesize these guidelines, with emphasis on the extent to which professional guidelines are consistent with evidence-based guidelines developed by the USPSTF; and 3) recommend next steps in the establishment and integration of preventive guidelines for young adults.

Existing professional and government guidelines were searched to identify guidelines that intersect with the age range of 18 to 26 years. When the ages of 18 to 26 years are “carved” out of established professional guidelines across specialty groups, there are a broad number of recommendations, many supported by sufficient evidence to receive a USPSTF grade of A or B, that can inform the care of young adults.

The study recommends the establishment of “Young Adult Preventive Care Guidelines” that reflect the current evidence-based recommendations that overlap with the young adult age group; suggest clinician and health care system supports to facilitate the delivery of preventive services to young adults, and emphasize prioritizing research in prevention areas where sufficient evidence does not exist.

Young Adult Preventive Health Care Guidelines: There but Can’t Be Found; Elizabeth M. Ozer, PhD; John T. Urquhart, BA; Claire D. Brindis, DrPH; M. Jane Park, MPH; Charles E. Irwin Jr, MD; Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012;166(3):240-247

]]> http://nahic.ucsf.edu/young-adult-preventive-health-guidelines-there-but-cant-be-found/feed/ 0 The State and National Data Profiles Updated With Final Year Data For Healthy People 2010 http://nahic.ucsf.edu/the-state-and-national-data-profiles-updated-with-final-year-data-for-healthy-people-2010/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/the-state-and-national-data-profiles-updated-with-final-year-data-for-healthy-people-2010/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:47:41 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=3541 We have updated all of our state and national summaries and data tables with the final year data for Healthy People 2010’s 21 Critical Health Objectives. The data cover six areas: mortality, unintentional injury, violence, substance abuse and mental health, reproductive health and prevention of chronic disease.

This easy-to-use, online database allows users to assess recent progress on these areas by presenting data and text highlights that correspond to the baseline (1998-99) and final (2007-09) measures for the 21 Critical Health Objectives.

The State and National Data Profiles were designed forpeople with varying levels of data fluency and data needs. The data tables,text and additional resources allow users to:

  • View data and profiles for each of the 50 states
  • Examine differences and disparities by age, race/ethnicity, and gender at national and state levels.
  • Compare progress among states (How does your state compare to national data or other similar states?)
  • Track changes from baseline to final (Is your state moving in the right direction?)
  • Adapt narrative summaries to be used in your own presentations
  • Identify priority issues and mobilize resources

The website presents a National Summary and the State summaries. It also includes detailed Notes and Limitations about data collection and presentation; and Tools and Resources, with guidance for using these data to improve adolescent andyoung adult health.

Please contact us with any questions or feedback: urquhartj@peds.ucsf.edu

 

]]> http://nahic.ucsf.edu/the-state-and-national-data-profiles-updated-with-final-year-data-for-healthy-people-2010/feed/ 0 Health of Adolescents and Young Adults: Trends in Achieving the 21 Critical National Health Objectives by 2010 http://nahic.ucsf.edu/health-of-adolescents-and-young-adults-trends-in-achieving-the-21-critical-national-health-objectives-by-2010/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/health-of-adolescents-and-young-adults-trends-in-achieving-the-21-critical-national-health-objectives-by-2010/#comments Tue, 02 Aug 2011 01:28:18 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=3260 The 21 Critical National Health Objectives (CNHOs) for Adolescents and Young Adults derived from Healthy People 2010 addressed the most significant threats to the health of individuals aged 10–24 years. This study assessed trends in the 21 CNHOs between 1991 and 2009, and from baseline years for which 2010 targets were established to 2009, and the extent to which targets were achieved.

For CNHOs measured by census systems, the percentage of change in each health outcome was calculated between 1991 and 2009 and between baseline years and 2009. Any change 5% was considered as an improvement or deterioration. For CNHOs measured by national probability-based surveillance surveys, multivariate logistic regression was conducted using Stata Version 10.0 (StataCorp, College Station, TX) to calculate odds ratios for each outcome from 1991, and from baseline years to 2009, controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, and age or school grade-level. To calculate the percentage of targets being achieved, the difference between baseline data and 2009 data was divided by that between baseline data and target.

Adolescents and young adults achieved two targets (rode with a driver who had drunk alcohol, physical fighting), improved for 12 CNHOs,mademixed progress by sub-objective for two,showednoprogress in four, and regressed in achieving two (Chlamydia infections; overweight). Progress varied by demographic variables.

Although encouraging trends were seen in young people’s health, the United States achieved only two CNHOs. Attention is needed to improve the health and reduce disparities among young people.

Health of Adolescents and Young Adults: Trends in Achieving the 21 Critical National Health Objectives by 2010; Journal of Adolescent Health – August 2011 (Vol. 49, Issue 2, Pages 124-132, DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.04.026)

]]> http://nahic.ucsf.edu/health-of-adolescents-and-young-adults-trends-in-achieving-the-21-critical-national-health-objectives-by-2010/feed/ 0 The Association of BMI Status With Adolescent Preventive Screening http://nahic.ucsf.edu/the-association-of-bmi-status-with-adolescent-preventive-screening/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/the-association-of-bmi-status-with-adolescent-preventive-screening/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 01:52:03 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=3263 OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between BMI status (normal, overweight, and obese) and preventive screening among adolescents at their last checkup.

METHODS: We used population-based data from the 2003–2007 California Health Interview Surveys, telephone interviews of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with a checkup in the past 12 months (n  9220). Respondents were asked whether they received screening for nutrition, physical activity, and emotional distress. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight: (1) normal weight or underweight (85th percentile); (2) overweight (85th–94th percentile); and (3) obese (95th percentile). Multivariate logistic regression models tested how screening by topic differed according to BMI status, adjusting for age, gender, income, race/ethnicity, and survey year.

RESULTS: Screening percentages in the pooled sample (all 3 years) were higher for obese, but not overweight, adolescents for physical activity (odds ratio: 1.4; P  .01) and nutrition (odds ratio: 1.6; screening did not differ P  .01). Stratified analysis by year revealed higher screening for obese (versus normal-weight) adolescents for nutrition and physical activity in 2003 and for all 3 topics in 2005. However, by 2007, screening did not differ according to BMI status. Overall screening between 2003 and 2007 declined for nutrition (75%–59%; P  .01), physical activity (74%–60%; P  .01), and emotional distress (31%– 24%; P  .01).

CONCLUSIONS: Obese adolescents receive more preventive screening versus their normal-weight peers. Overweight adolescents do not report more screening, but standards of care dictate increased attention for this group. These results are discouraging amid a rise in pediatric obesity and new guidelines that recommend screening by BMI status.

The Association of BMI Status With Adolescent Preventive Screening; Carolyn Bradner Jasik, Sally H. Adams, Charles E. Irwin, Jr, and Elizabeth Ozer; Pediatrics 2011; 128:2 e317-e323; published ahead of print July 18, 2011, doi:10.1542/peds.2010-2559

]]> http://nahic.ucsf.edu/the-association-of-bmi-status-with-adolescent-preventive-screening/feed/ 0 Health Care Services and the Transition to Young Adulthood: Challenges and Opportunities http://nahic.ucsf.edu/health-care-services-and-the-transition-to-young-adulthood-challenges-and-opportunities/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/health-care-services-and-the-transition-to-young-adulthood-challenges-and-opportunities/#comments Mon, 21 Feb 2011 22:44:33 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=1018 This study examines the potential role of the health care system in the successful transition to young adulthood for all adolescents, with emphasis on adolescents with special health care needs (ASHCN). Research and conceptual frameworks addressing successful transitions and functioning were reviewed.

Although most national efforts to define skills needed for the transition have focused on career/vocational skills, a few frameworks integrate broader issues such as health, psychosocial development, and civic engagement. Adolescent transitional issues have generally received little attention; however, these have been articulated for ASHCN.  Our framework for healthy transitions includes the following: 1) adolescents can access a comprehensive health care system, 2) preventable problems are avoided, and 3) chronic problems are managed. The present health care system falls short of accomplishing these.  We conclude that health care services can potentially play a role in facilitating a healthy transition to young adulthood; however, many gaps exist. Although the health care reform act addresses some gaps, efforts that integrate adolescents’ developmental needs and address mental health issues are needed.

Health Care Services and the Transition to Young Adulthood: Challenges and Opportunities, 08 February 2011  M. Jane Park, Sally H. Adams, Charles E. Irwin  Academic Pediatrics  DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2010.11.010

]]> http://nahic.ucsf.edu/health-care-services-and-the-transition-to-young-adulthood-challenges-and-opportunities/feed/ 0 Who Gets Confidential Care? Disparities in a National Sample of Adolescents http://nahic.ucsf.edu/who-gets-confidential-care-disparities-in-a-national-sample-of-adolescents/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/who-gets-confidential-care-disparities-in-a-national-sample-of-adolescents/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:07:23 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=3467 Using the 2001–2004 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey, we examined rates of past-year adolescent time alone with a clinician by visit type, and among youths with a preventive visit, examined age, gender, and race/ethnicity differences. Youths with a preventive visit have higher rates of time alone; rates for these youths increase with age, are higher for males (42%) versus females (37%), and are lowest among Hispanics. Time alone rates are low, especially for younger females and Hispanic youths. Special efforts are needed to increase time alone in these populations.

Who Gets Confidential Care? Disparities in a National Sample of Adolescents, Jennifer C. Edman, M.D., M.P.H., Sally H. Adams, R.N., Ph.D., M. Jane Park, M.P.H., Charles E. Irwin Jr., M.D., Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 46, Issue 4, PAges 393-395, April 2010

]]> http://nahic.ucsf.edu/who-gets-confidential-care-disparities-in-a-national-sample-of-adolescents/feed/ 0 To Tweet, or Not to Tweet: Gender Differences and Potential Positive and Negative Health Outcomes of Adolescents’ Social Internet Use http://nahic.ucsf.edu/to-tweet-or-not-to-tweet-gender-differences-and-potential-positive-and-negative-health-outcomes-of-adolescents%e2%80%99-social-internet-use/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/to-tweet-or-not-to-tweet-gender-differences-and-potential-positive-and-negative-health-outcomes-of-adolescents%e2%80%99-social-internet-use/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:01:33 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=856

Adolescents and young adults are avid Internet users. Online social media, such as social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, MySpace), blogs, status updating sites (e.g., Twitter) and chat rooms, have become integral parts of adolescents’ and young adults’ lives. Adolescents are even beginning to enter the world of online dating with several websites dedicated to “teenage online dating.” This paper reviews recent peer-reviewed literature and national data on 1) adolescents use of online social media, 2) gender differences in online social media and 3) potential positive and negative health outcomes from adolescents’ online social media use. We also examine parental monitoring of adolescents’ online activities. Given that parental supervision is a key protective factor against adolescent risk-taking behavior, it is reasonable to hypothesize that unmonitored Internet use may place adolescents’ at significant risk, such as cyberbullying, unwanted exposure to pornography, and potentially revealing personal information to sexual predators.

Am J Mens Health. 2010 Mar;4(1):77-85. To tweet, or not to tweet: gender differences and potential positive and negative health outcomes of adolescents’ social internet use. Pujazon-Zazik M, Park MJ

]]> http://nahic.ucsf.edu/to-tweet-or-not-to-tweet-gender-differences-and-potential-positive-and-negative-health-outcomes-of-adolescents%e2%80%99-social-internet-use/feed/ 0 Trends in Adolescent and Young Adult Health in the United States http://nahic.ucsf.edu/trends-in-adolescent-and-young-adult-health-in-the-united-states/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/trends-in-adolescent-and-young-adult-health-in-the-united-states/#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:53:42 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=750 This article reviews health trends for adolescents and young adults, providing a single source for a national health profile. Data are presented on demographics, mortality, health-related behaviors, and healthcare access and utilization and major gender and racial/ethnic disparities are highlighted. The authors outline recommendations to improve health during these critical periods in the lifespan. This article replaces the National Adolescent Health Information Center’s monograph “America’s Adolescents: Are They Healthy?” which focused exclusively on adolescents. It also updates the authors’ 2006 article on young adult health.

Access the article:

Paul Mulye, T., Park, M.J., Nelson, C.D., Adams, S.H., Irwin, C.E., Jr., & Brindis, C.D. (2009). Trends in Adolescent and Young Adult Health in the United States. Journal of Adolescent Health, 45(1), 8-24.

]]> http://nahic.ucsf.edu/trends-in-adolescent-and-young-adult-health-in-the-united-states/feed/ 0 Risky Behaviors in Late Adolescence: Co-occurrence, Predictors, and Consequences http://nahic.ucsf.edu/risky-behaviors-in-late-adolescence-co-occurrence-predictors-and-consequences/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/risky-behaviors-in-late-adolescence-co-occurrence-predictors-and-consequences/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:55:17 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=3488 Purpose: Advances in research have broadened our understanding of the risky behaviors that significantly threaten adolescent health and well-being. Advances include: using person-centered, rather than behavior-centered approaches to examine how behaviors co-occur; greater focus on how environmental factors, such as family, or peer-level characteristics, influence behavior; and examination of how behaviors affect well-being in young adulthood. Use of nationally representative, longitudinal data would expand research on these critical relationships.

Methods: Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 cohort, a nationally representative sample of adolescents who are being followed over time, the present study: (1) identifies profiles of risky behaviors, (2) investigates how environmental characteristics predict these profiles of risky behaviors (e.g., delinquency, smoking, drug use, drinking, sexual behavior, and exercise), and (3) examines how these profiles of risky behaviors relate to positive and negative youth outcomes.

Results: Four ‘‘risk profiles’’ were identified: a high-risk group (those who report high levels of participation in numerous behaviors), a low-risk group (those who engage in very few risky behaviors), and two moderate risk taking groups. We found that profiles with any negative behaviors were predictive of negative outcomes.

Conclusions: It is important for practitioners to examine health behaviors in multiple domains concurrently rather than individually in isolation. Interventions and research should not simply target adolescents engaging in high levels of risky behavior but also adolescents who are engaging in lower levels of risky behavior.

Risky Behaviors in Late Adolescence: Co-occurrence, Predictors, and Consequences, Journal of Adolescent Health 45 (2009) 253–261, Elizabeth C. Hair, Ph.D., M. Jane Park, M.P.H., Thomson J. Ling, M.A., Kristin A. Moore, Ph.D.

]]> http://nahic.ucsf.edu/risky-behaviors-in-late-adolescence-co-occurrence-predictors-and-consequences/feed/ 0 Preventive Care for Adolescents: Few Get Visits and Fewer Get Services http://nahic.ucsf.edu/preventive-care-for-adolescents-few-get-visits-and-fewer-get-services/ http://nahic.ucsf.edu/preventive-care-for-adolescents-few-get-visits-and-fewer-get-services/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:07:06 +0000 John Urquhart http://nahic.ucsf.edu/?p=1074 This article examines rates and disparities in access to preventive care and receipt of recommended preventive services among adolescents. Research reveals very low rates of preventive visits, especially for the poor and uninsured, and low rates of receipt of recommended preventive services.

PEDIATRICS, Charles E. Irwin, Jr, Sally H. Adams, M. Jane Park, and Paul W. Newacheck, Vol. 123 No. 4 April 2009, pp. e565-e572 (doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2601)

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