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The Epidemiology of Adolescent Health

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Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology

Abstract

Adolescence is a time when many health problems are first identified and many health behaviors, both positive and negative, are established. This chapter reviews mortality and morbidity data as well as a range of behavioral health indicators in five major areas: (1) chronic disease, (2) mental health and suicide, (3) substance use, (4) sexual health, and (5) injury and violence. The most recent national data are summarized to describe trends over time and subpopulation differences in adolescent health indicators. The findings demonstrate that most adolescent health problems are preventable, highlighting the importance of early intervention to promote healthy behaviors and resilience.

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Correspondence to K. Clements-Nolle Ph.D., M.P.H. .

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Clements-Nolle, K., Rivera, C.M. (2013). The Epidemiology of Adolescent Health. In: O'Donohue, W., Benuto, L., Woodward Tolle, L. (eds) Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6633-8_6

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