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. 1996 Apr;86(4):513–519. doi: 10.2105/ajph.86.4.513

Morbidity and mortality among US adolescents: An overview of data and trends.

C W Sells 1, R W Blum 1
PMCID: PMC1380551  PMID: 8604781

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This article reviews the health status of adolescents in the United States 1979 through 1994. METHODS: An extensive array of data from federal agencies, private organizations, and published literature was reviewed, analyzed, and cross-validated. RESULTS: Significant shifts in mortality and morbidity among America's youth have occurred over the past decade. Adolescents have recorded significant reductions in motor vehicle deaths,; alcohol, cigarette, and illicit substance use; and gonorhea and syphilis. Overall, mortality in the second decade of life has declined by 13%. However, reductions in unintentional injuries have been largely offset by increases in teenage homicide, while worsening poverty as well as risk-taking behavior continue to influence the morbidities of teenagers adversely. Violence, suicide, and teenage pregnancy continue to be overwhelming problems for young people. CONCLUSIONS: After years of downward spiral in the health of America's youth, there have been significant improvements in morbidity and mortality. These findings refute the myth that nothing can be done.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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