A recent study published in The Lancet, Global burden of disease in young people aged 10—24 years: a systematic analysis, looked at the burden of disease, injury and death in young people worldwide.

Although young people make up 27% of the world’s population not much is known about their contribution to the global burden of disease.  According to Paediatricians and adolescent health experts from the University of Melbourne, who were co-authors of the study, this was because until recently it was assumed that teenagers were generally fit and healthy.

However, the study found that worldwide, the three main causes of years lost because of disability for 10 to 24 year olds were neuropsychiatric disorders (45%), unintentional injuries (12%), and infectious and parasitic diseases (10%).

Africa had the highest rate of years lost because of disability for this age group, which was 2.5 times greater than in high-income countries. Overall years lost because of disability rates were 12% higher in girls than in boys between 15 and 19 years.

The editorial to the article urged for health promotion and said a concerted effort to prevent disease in young people was essential. “Interventions should address the behaviours and social conditions that have both short-term and long-term health consequences.”

“Targeted public health interventions, including enforcement of seatbelt laws, redesign of cars, implementation of tobacco taxes, and distribution of condoms, are essential for reducing morbidity and mortality.”

The major risk factors for young people are:

  1. Alcohol and drug use
  2. Unsafe sex and lack of contraception
  3. Mental health issues including depression and neuropsychiatric disorders
  4. Iron deficiency

Conclusions
The health of young people has been largely neglected in global public health because this age group is perceived as healthy. However, opportunities for prevention of disease and injury in this age group are not fully exploited. The findings from this study suggest that adolescent health would benefit from increased public health attention.

Writer Helen Splarn. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.
Source: Medical Observer. The Lancet 2011