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11 - The Health of Children and Young People

from Part 2 - Contexts for Public Health Practice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2023

By
Rebecca Roberts  and
Rajalakshmi Lakshman
Edited by
Kirsteen Watson ,
Jan Yates  and
Stephen Gillam
Kirsteen Watson
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Jan Yates
Affiliation:
NHS England and NHS Improvement
Stephen Gillam
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
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Summary

This chapter starts by considering the key differences that make public health practice focused on children unique to that focused on adults and older people and emphasizes the importance of early intervention as part of a life-course approach. The demography of the health of children is detailed, followed by a description of the major causes of ill health in children and young people, key public health challenges for this age group and their families and a summary of effective public health interventions to improve health and well-being and reduce inequalities. Three case studies are offered: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; childhood obesity; and children’s and adolescents’ mental health. These highlight the complexity of these major public health challenges, how the tools described in Part 1 can be used to understand them and the importance of strategic and system-wide approaches.

Keywords

Childrenyoung peoplefamiliesinequalitieschildhooddevelopmenteducationsafeguardingpregnancyinterventionsobesityCOVID-19mental healthmortalitymorbidityintegrationcollaboration
Type
Chapter
Information
Essential Public Health
Theory and Practice
 , pp. 209 - 230
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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