Adolescent Health from an International Perspective

Over the past 20 years, dramatic social, political, economic shifts, and medical and public health interventions have radically altered the landscape of adolescent health around the world. A generation ago, AIDS was unknown; today, between a quarter and a third of adolescent females in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are infected. A generation ago, infectious diseases predominated as the major sources of morbidity and mortality globally; today, social, behavioral, and environmental factors predominate. A generation ago, the age of marriage was significantly lower than it is today. More people lived in rural communities and fewer young people attended school. These transitions as well as others have had and will continue to have profound impact on the health of youth. This paper briefly reviews the key social transitions that influence adolescent and young adult health globally. Next, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality are discussed. This section is followed by a discussion of health service delivery, health promotion, and our current knowledge of positive youth development. Finally, implications for the future of adolescent health and well-being are identified.