Health Care of Emerging Adults
摘要
The period of life between 18 and 25 years of age represents a distinct developmental phase known as emerging adulthood. This phase is often characterized by missed opportunities to alter life course health trajectories with appropriate anticipatory guidance and preventative services, which can lead to poor health outcomes. The HEADDSS (home, education, employment, activities, drugs, diet, sexual health, suicide) approach to social history, more commonly used in adolescent medicine, can and should be adapted for use with emerging adults by adult health providers. Preconception counseling, mental health, and substance use are among the areas of greatest impact on future health outcomes if addressed in the emerging adulthood period. Approaching the care of this population with a framework that focuses on population health, social determinants, and prevention, such as the patient-centered medical home and the chronic care model, is recommended for those with and without chronic childhood conditions.