Adolescence and social determinants of health: Family and community

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial period in the life of individuals. It is a time of rapid and dramatic changes at different levels: physical, cognitive, and socioemotional. It is also a critical time for learning, for the formation of identity, and for the establishment of connections beyond the home environment. Social determinants of health can have a significant impact on adolescent outcomes and well-being. This chapter provides a summary of the most recent research studies that investigated aspects and characteristic of family and community and their relation to adolescence outcomes. In particular, family structure and inner dynamics, parents’ eating and sleep-related habits, family socioeconomic status (SES), and other factors are considered in relation to their effects on adolescent health and development. The effects of aspects of community, like cohesion and SES, are also considered. A more accurate measure of a wider range of indicators will allow better identification of risk processes and the relevant support strategies.