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[Mortality in young adults: international comparisons]
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University, Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Salud Publica De Mexico
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Young adult mortality (YAM) can serve as an epidemiological indicator, reflecting societal factors like drug use and income. Declines in YAM are noted, but specific causes like accidents and violence require targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Traditional health statistics were inadequate for tracking drug use impact on youth in the 1960s.
- Young adult mortality (YAM) emerged as a potential indicator, showing paradoxical rises with increased drug use.
- YAM is linked to social health, employment, and education, crucial for national development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify an epidemiological indicator for drug use impact on young adults.
- To analyze trends in young adult mortality (YAM) globally and identify contributing factors.
- To examine changes in YAM in the mid-1980s and propose strategies for improvement.
Main Methods:
- Examined mortality data for young adults (15-24 years).
- Correlated YAM rates with per capita income, education spending, and ethnic homogeneity across countries.
- Analyzed US YAM fluctuations against heroin use admissions.
Main Results:
- YAM showed paradoxical increases with rising drug use in the late 1960s.
- In lower-income countries, YAM correlated with disease; in higher-income countries, external causes like motor vehicle accidents increased with income.
- YAM trends varied globally, with some countries showing decreases while others faced high rates of suicide, homicide, or accidents.
Conclusions:
- Young adult mortality (YAM) serves as a vital indicator of social well-being and development.
- Addressing YAM requires understanding its links to socioeconomic factors and implementing targeted interventions.
- Engaging young people in developing solutions, potentially through Freirean educational strategies, is essential for improving opportunities and reducing mortality.