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Chronic Conditions Among Adults Aged 18─34 Years - United States, 2019
Insights
More than half of young adults (53.8%) have at least one chronic condition, with obesity and depression being most common. Early intervention is key to managing these conditions and improving long-term health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Chronic conditions represent a significant public health challenge, contributing to mortality and disability.
- Early intervention in young adulthood is crucial for mitigating disease progression and enhancing lifelong well-being.
- Limited recent data exists on the prevalence of chronic conditions among young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of 11 chronic conditions in adults aged 18-34 years.
- To examine chronic condition prevalence across various demographic and socioeconomic subgroups.
- To assess the association between chronic conditions and health-related risk behaviors in young adults.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2019 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
- Inclusion of adults aged 18-34 years.
- Measurement of chronic condition prevalence and health-related risk behaviors.
Main Results:
- Over half (53.8%) of young adults reported at least one chronic condition; 22.3% reported multiple.
- Obesity (25.5%), depression (21.3%), and high blood pressure (10.7%) were the most prevalent conditions.
- Young adults with disabilities and those unemployed showed higher prevalence rates.
- Chronic conditions were linked to increased rates of binge drinking, smoking, and physical inactivity.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of young adults are affected by chronic conditions, necessitating targeted public health strategies.
- Addressing determinants such as disability and unemployment is vital for reducing chronic condition prevalence.
- Public and private sector collaboration is needed to enhance awareness and implement effective interventions for young adults.
Abstract:
Chronic conditions are common, costly, and major causes of death and disability.* Addressing chronic conditions and their determinants in young adulthood can help slow disease progression and improve well-being across the life course (1); however, recent prevalence estimates examining chronic conditions in young adults overall and by subgroup have not been reported. CDC analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to measure prevalence of 11 chronic conditions among adults aged 18-34 years overall and by selected characteristics, and to measure prevalence of health-related risk behaviors by chronic condition status. In 2019, more than one half (53.8%) of adults aged 18-34 years reported having at least one chronic condition, and nearly one quarter (22.3%) reported having more than one chronic condition. The most prevalent conditions were obesity (25.5%), depression (21.3%), and high blood pressure (10.7%). Differences in the prevalence of having a chronic condition were most noticeable between young adults with a disability (75.8%) and without a disability (48.3%) and those who were unemployed (62.3%) and students (45.8%). Adults aged 18-34 years with a chronic condition were more likely than those without one to report binge drinking, smoking, or physical inactivity. Coordinated efforts by public and private sectors might help raise awareness of chronic conditions among young adults and help improve the availability of evidence-based interventions, policies, and programs that are effective in preventing, treating, and managing chronic conditions among young adults (1).
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