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. 2018 May;63(Suppl 1):79-96.
doi: 10.1007/s00038-017-1003-4. Epub 2017 Aug 3.

Adolescent health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: findings from the global burden of disease 2015 study

GBD 2015 Eastern Mediterranean Region Adolescent Health Collaborators
Collaborators

Adolescent health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: findings from the global burden of disease 2015 study

GBD 2015 Eastern Mediterranean Region Adolescent Health Collaborators. Int J Public Health. 2018 May.

Abstract

Objectives: The 22 countries of the East Mediterranean Region (EMR) have large populations of adolescents aged 10-24 years. These adolescents are central to assuring the health, development, and peace of this region. We described their health needs.

Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 (GBD 2015), we report the leading causes of mortality and morbidity for adolescents in the EMR from 1990 to 2015. We also report the prevalence of key health risk behaviors and determinants.

Results: Communicable diseases and the health consequences of natural disasters reduced substantially between 1990 and 2015. However, these gains have largely been offset by the health impacts of war and the emergence of non-communicable diseases (including mental health disorders), unintentional injury, and self-harm. Tobacco smoking and high body mass were common health risks amongst adolescents. Additionally, many EMR countries had high rates of adolescent pregnancy and unmet need for contraception.

Conclusions: Even with the return of peace and security, adolescents will have a persisting poor health profile that will pose a barrier to socioeconomic growth and development of the EMR.

Keywords: Adolescent health; Burden of disease; Eastern Mediterranean Region.

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Conflict of interest statement

This manuscript reflects original work that has not previously been published in whole or in part and is not under consideration elsewhere. All authors have read the manuscript and have agreed that the work is ready for submission and accept responsibility for its contents. The authors of this paper have complied with all ethical standards and do not have any conflicts of interest to disclose at the time of submission. The funding source played no role in the design of the study, the analysis and interpretation of data, and the writing of the paper. The study did not involve human participants and/or animals; therefore, no informed consent was needed.

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest at this time.

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