Adolescent Health and Nutrition in the US and Canada: An Overview of Issues and Determinants

摘要

Adolescent development includes solidification of personal identity, ethical beliefs, approach to the world, patterns of friendships, cognitive sophistication and sexual/gender identity. Rapid brain development accounts for many of the changes of adolescence, but this can be affected by environmental and social factors. In the US, the top 3 causes of adolescent death are unintentional injuries (often involving motor vehicles), homicide and suicide. In Canada, the top 3 are unintentional injuries (more than a third of deaths in 15-19 year olds), suicide (about a fifth of deaths) and neoplasia. This chapter does not discuss some major areas of health and determinants, including gay, lesbian and trans-gender youth, gender inequality and mental health. Issues for aboriginal youth include those of education, nutrition, housing and racism. Racism is not limited to this group and is also intertwined with the issues faced by immigrant youth. Access to high-quality education is particularly problematic in the United States. Alcohol and other substance use lead to health issues and also educational problems. Adolescent pregnancy, parenting and access to abortion are issues in both countries (more extreme in the US). Finally, the care of children by the state leads to issues in adolescence and adulthood.