Trends in Adolescent Health: Successes and Challenges From 2010 to the Present

Purpose

This review considers trends in some of the major adolescent health outcomes and contextual influences since 2010, and explores the relevance of recent cultural, societal, and public health developments on adolescent well-being.

Methods

Based on a review of major reports published since 2010, we identified key topics of impact on adolescent health and development across several domains (education, economic opportunity, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, and mental health) and ecological levels (from individual- to macro-level influences). Within these areas, we synthesized findings to describe recent trends, noting variation across countries/regions, gender/sex, and other social stratifications when possible.

Results

Since 2010, progress in several areas of sexual and reproductive health has been most striking, with notable global declines in female genital mutilation/cutting, child marriage, HIV transmission, and adolescent childbearing. Participation and retention in school has increased, although the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted positive progress for many adolescents and contributed to social isolation and economic insecurity. The mental health and nutrition domains have clear challenges. Increased internalizing mental health issues have been observed cross-culturally, especially among girls. The prevalence of anemia has remained stagnant, while overweight and obesity rates are rising. Within domains, we highlight uneven progress across and within countries.

Discussion

Based on recent successes and emerging challenges in adolescent well-being, we find that more and better research is needed that consistently takes an intersectional perspective, and critically, action must be taken to consolidate the gains in sexual and reproductive health and extend them to other areas of adolescent health.