Claire Brindis, DrPH, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, National Adolescent Health Information Center, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 265, San Francisco, CA 94143-0936, 415-476-5255, brindis@itsa.ucsf.edu

Middle childhood, adolescence and young adulthood represent periods of significant growth and development. Most young people ages 6-24 are considered healthy when assessed by traditional medical markers, for most, the most significant threats are related to risky behavior. Preventing and reducing the incidence of health threats form a core component of health policy. Developing policies to promote the health and well-being of these distinct and yet overlapping populations is a complex task. A focus on individual health problems, complemented by increased emphasis on positive development and environmental influences applies to all young people. This framework helps identify health issues and analyze how health issues affect different developmental stages. It also counters categorical approaches to health, by recognizing that many health problems are interrelated and have common etiologies. Assuring the health of young people requires a focus on a broad range of policies and trends that influence health. Continued analysis is warranted for many systems of care—whether addressing medical care, oral health, mental health, and/or substance abuse. The definition also suggests the need for population-based research that focuses on trends and policies that affect environmental influences and healthy development. The development of a national health agenda—including aspects such as identified priorities, networks of interest groups, data collection to monitor health status and the extent to which policies and programs are developed and sustained—needs to be developmentally sensitive and inclusive of special populations identified within each of these age groups.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to

• identify current issues regarding adopting a lifespan approach to middle childhood through young adulthood.
• identify potential national data sets available in the area of adolescent health, including their limitations and strengths, as well as gaps.
• Describe potential future questions to be addressed through middle childhood, adolescent and young adults,(age from 6-24).

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Research

Related Web page: youth.ucsf.edu/nahic; http://youth.ucsf.edu/policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.