Health problems of late adolescence

Late adolescents in the 18- to 24-year-old age group, which parallels the traditional college years, represent a unique subpopulation in transition between youth and adulthood. Usually considered to be a healthy group, serious injuries are not uncommon in this physically active period that is marked by new-found freedoms and participation in high-risk behaviors. Many chronic medical problems also begin during this time. A few health problems, such as eating disorders, are actually unique to this population. When the potential for lives and for productivity lost are taken into account, young people are at even greater financial risk from catastrophic medical events than are older patients; yet, people in the 18- to 24-year-old age group are the most likely to be without health insurance. The need for more effective prevention programs for late adolescents is obvious, but to be successful, the programs must consider each risk factor both individually and in the context of their high-risk behaviors.