Evidence-Based Strategies to Improve Adolescent & Young Adult Health

Catalog description

This course examines the health and well-being of young people between 10 and 26 years of age in the United States and the influence of evidence-based practice, programs, and policy within a life-course and socio-ecological framework. In this class we will underscore the importance of public health professionals’ role in seeking solutions to improve health outcomes for disadvantaged adolescents and develop and advocate for structures and processes that support health equity. Using intersectionality as a lens, we will examine how racism and systemic discrimination combine with multiple aspects of identity, such as gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and ability, resulting in health disparities among adolescents. The focus on health equity requires evidence-based solutions to health differences that are a result of social-ecological factors. We will examine the influence of systems (family, school, community, health care systems) and policy on key adolescents and young adults (AYA) health issues. Specific seminars will be dedicated to examining the impact of positive youth development and trauma-informed care, AYA and their families and advocacy and policy related to topics such as reproductive health, substance use, suicide and depression and motor vehicle accidents. Didactic topical presentations will be followed by student discussions and guided small group conversations.