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…
The health care reform law enacted in 2010 is an ambitious and complex piece of legislation. The requirements of PPACA are scheduled to be phased in over a period of several years. If successful, the law will result in an increase of 32 million additional insured individuals in the United States, many of whom will be adolescents and young adults.…
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…
This 2009 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. Access the article: Paul Mulye,…
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. Please view the abstract here: PEDIATRICS, Charles E. Irwin, Jr, Sally H. Adams, M. Jane Park, and Paul…
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug by adolescents and young adults, with more males than females reporting marijuana use. The adolescent and young adult years represent a critical period for interventions to prevent marijuana use and abuse. This article reviews relevant literature, including trends in young males’ marijuana use and health effects of marijuana use. The article is…
Positive youth development (PYD) is a strong and growing field that complements the traditional problem-focused view of youth, and describes and promotes the healthy development and positive outcomes of young people. The PYD perspective can be applied in clinical and community intervention settings. Frameworks such as the “Five Cs” and the Search Institute’s developmental assets model have guided researchers and…
This brief provides an annotated list of organizations and agencies that monitor trends in state and federal policies related to the 21 Critical Health Objectives. While multiple policymaking venues exist within the U.S. political system, this brief focuses on federal and state legislation. The brief is available for download here.
This article examines research related to stress and stress management, with a focus on young males. It offers recommendations for improving health care quality and strengthening the research base on stress and gender during youth. The article is available here: Vo, D. X., & Park, M. J. (2008). Stress and Stress Management Among Youth and Young Men. American Journal of…
This article discusses gaps in research and offers recommendations for improving health care quality and strengthening the research base on gender and disparities during adolescence. The article is available here: Vo, D. X., & Park, M. J. (2008). Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Culturally Competent Health Care Among Youth and Young Men. American Journal of Men’s Health, 2, 192-205
University of California San Francisco
