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ADOLESCENTS
In 2002, individuals ages 13-19 accounted for roughly 10 percent
of the U.S. population. (Adolescence may be defined differently
by different health programs or for different health issues.) Generally,
adolescents are a healthy population. Adolescence is a period during
which many lifelong health habits are formed, such as diet, exercise,
and the use of health care services. National data related to physical
activity and overweight are presented in this section.
Adolescence is also a time of physical and emotional growth and
exploration. As a result, many adolescents engage in risk-taking
behaviors that may result in acute illnesses and infections, poor
long-term health outcomes, and even disability and death. For example,
adolescents may experiment with cigarettes and drugs, engage in
sex, or be involved in motor vehicle crashes. This section features
many health status indicators related to cigarette smoking, use
of illicit drugs, adolescent mortality, injury, sexual intercourse,
sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. Many of these data
are presented by age, gender, race and ethnicity:
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Child Health USA 2004 is not copyrighted.
Readers are free to duplicate and use all or part of the information contained
on this page. Suggested Citation: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health
Bureau. Child Health USA 2004. Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, 2004.
