Key Data on Young People: A spotlight on health inequalities Heron Conference October 2018 Rakhee Shah Association for Young People’s Health To identify and draw attention to inequalities faced specifically by young people age 10-24 in the UK. @AYPHCharity @shahrakhee

Methods: We use publically available UK datasets that draw on significant sample sizes, provide generalizable data on young people and use reliable survey instruments. 

Reasons for investing: Demographics – 11.7m young people 10-24yrs

What Is the Importance of Addressing Health Inequalities? Social inequalities can lead to health inequalities Health inequalities occur across the whole life course BUT LESS attention looking at inequalities in young people Widening inequalities amongst adolescents in high-income countries Trends alarming for future population health Majority of inequalities preventable Frank J Elgar, Timo-Kolja Pförtner, Irene Moor, Bart De Clercq, Gonneke W J M Stevens, Candace Currie. Socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent health 2002–2010: a time-series analysis of 34 countries participating in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. The Lancet, 2015; DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61460-4 . However, the focus of research on health inequalities using this perspective has largely remained on the antenatal and postnatal stages of life and in the under-five age group. Adolescence is a distinct developmental stage which provides unique opportunities for developing capacity, promoting health and wellbeing, and is not merely a period of transition between childhood and adulthood.

Low Income is the most salient social disadvantage… Young people are disproportionately represented in families with lower levels of income 1 in 4 young people lived in households with less than 60% of UK’s median income

Low Income is the most salient social disadvantage…

Low Income is the most salient social disadvantage… Evidence suggests the reasons behind these findings are complex and likely to be down to many different factors – from the relative health of the population to the availability of services outside hospital. However, the data highlight the importance of national policy initiatives in improving outcomes.

Low Income is the most salient social disadvantage…

Other vulnerable groups Looked after children Young Carers Ethnicity Young people with learning disabilities LGBT

Young Carers Often hidden and do not receive support Risk of missing out on education, social opportunities and carry emotional burden 68% report being bullied at school 1.5X more likely to have a special educational need or disability 38% reported having a mental health problem

LGBT+ 2x more likely to have history of cigarette smoking More likely to report recreational drug use Sexual health inequalities – teenage pregnancy, sex education and cervical cancer screening

Black and Ethnic Minority Groups Higher proportion live in low-income families Young people from BME more likely to be overweight Black and Asian children have higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes

Health Inequalities Compound Deprivation BME Young Carers Mental health Well-being Bullying Obesity Type 2 Diabetes

Relevance Multiple health inequalities exist in young people Health inequalities in young people have a complex relationship Health inequalities do not occur in silos and therefore should not be investigated in isolation Important to take a holistic approach towards young people’s health

Final Thoughts … Young people aged 10-24 in the UK face a particular pattern of health inequalities relating to their life stage We need to invest in and address these inequalities for a healthier future adult population Many inequalities could be tackled with public health initiatives Multi-sector policy recommendations need to focus on these vulnerable groups in order to reduce health inequalities. 

Information http://www.youngpeopleshealth.org.uk/key-data-on-young-people (Download a free copy) www.ayph.org.uk info@youngpeopleshealth.org.uk @shahrakhee 0207 922 7715