Adolescent precocious development and young adult health outcomes

The objective of this study was to investigate the health implications of adolescent precocious transitions into young adulthood while addressing several limitations of previous studies. Data came from four waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 13,500). The analysis included the identification of seven adolescent life events, including early sexual activities, early pregnancy, early cohabitation, early marriage, dropping out of high school, leaving home at an early age, and early full-time working. These precocious events were then compared in terms of health problems in young adulthood, including smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, hypertension, sexually transmitted diseases, and depression. Adolescents who experienced any of the precocious events showed significantly higher risks for health problems in young adulthood, even after controlling for family socioeconomic characteristics and race/ethnicity. However, differing precocious events were associated with different health problems, suggesting non-specific but unique etiological processes.