Chapter 8 Adolescents, Young Adults, and Adults

Introduction Adolescents and young adults (10-24) Adults (25-64) Adolescence generally regarded as puberty to maturity Adults (25-64) Years between 10 and 64 some of the most productive years of people’s lives Most enjoy the best health of their lives Shape health through lifestyle and health behavior for later years

Adolescents and Young Adults Represent the future of the nation Adolescence is difficult stage; period of transition from childhood to adulthood Comfort and security to complex and challenging situations Young adults complete physical growth; experience significant life changes Many health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors are adopted and consolidated

Demography Number of adolescents and young adults In 2010, over 1/5 of U.S. population In 2012, ~55% of adolescents were non-Hispanic white Living arrangements In 2010, > 1/4 lived in single parent families Variations by race and ethnicity

Demography (ctd) Employment status and health care access Participation in labor force has remained fairly constant in recent decades Disparities by race and ethnicity Employment status impact on access to health insurance, health care

Mortality Significant decline in death rates over past several decades; mostly due to advances in medicine and injury and disease prevention Male mortality rate higher than female Most threats stem from behavior rather than disease Unintentional injuries (42%), homicide (16%), suicide (16%) Significant racial disparities among race and leading causes of death

Death Rates by Leading Causes, Ages 15-24

Morbidity Communicable diseases Measles immunizations important Sexually transmitted diseases This age group acquires nearly half of all new STDs in the U.S. Some effects can last a lifetime

Health Behaviors of High School Students Unintentional injuries Violence Tobacco use Alcohol and other drugs Sexual behaviors – unintended pregnancies and STDs Physical activity and sedentary behaviors Overweight and weight control

Health Behaviors of College Students Unintentional injuries Violence Tobacco use Alcohol and other drugs Sexual behaviors – unintended pregnancies and STDs

Protective Factors Protective factors – individual or environmental characteristics, conditions, or behaviors that reduce the effects of stressful life events, increase the ability to avoid risks or hazards, and promote social and emotional competence Examples: school connectedness, community service

Community Health Strategies Main factors affecting community health with age group are social and cultural factors and community organizing Alcohol use a main problem

Adults Ages 25-64 Represent more than half of U.S. population

Health Profile Mortality Mainly from chronic diseases Many associated with unhealthy behaviors and poor lifestyle choices Lifestyle improvements and public health advances have led to decline in death rate for adults

Adult Death Rates, Ages 25-44

Adult Death Rates, Ages 45-64

Cancer #1 cause of death for adults ages 45-64 Males – prostate, lung, and colorectal Females – breast, lung, and colorectal

Cardiovascular Diseases Age-adjusted mortality rates dropped over past 60 years Mainly due to public health efforts related to smoking cessation, increased physical activity, and nutrition

Health Behaviors Risk factors for chronic disease Most significant for adults – smoking, lack of exercise, BMI, alcohol Risk factors for personal injury Motor vehicle safety – seatbelts and alcohol use Awareness and screening of certain conditions Hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol

Community Health Strategies Role of individual behavior, social factors, environmental factors, and previous influences on their health across lifespan Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention efforts for adults Primary – exercise and nutrition programs Secondary – self and clinical screenings to identify and control disease processes Tertiary – medication compliance

Discussion Questions Why are lifestyle and health behaviors significant for the adult age group compared to other age groups? How can community health efforts affect leading causes of death for the adolescent and young adult age group?