AI Insight
A national poll conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital found that nearly 1 in 6 parents report their young adult children aged 18-25 do not independently manage any basic health care responsibilities. These basic responsibilities include scheduling medical appointments and providing family medical history to healthcare providers. The findings suggest a significant gap in practical health management skills as young adults transition to independence.
Why it matters
This deficit in health care self-management skills could lead to delayed or missed medical care, poor health outcomes, and increased healthcare costs as young adults fail to seek timely treatment or properly manage chronic conditions. The findings highlight a need for better preparation and education during adolescence to ensure young adults can effectively navigate the healthcare system independently.
Understand the Science
Many young adults may be entering adulthood without the practical skills needed to manage their own health care, suggests a new national poll. Nearly 1 in 6 parents said their young adult child, ages 18–25, doesn’t handle any basic health care responsibilities independently—from scheduling appointments to providing family history—according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.
Source: U.S. poll reveals many young adults may not be ready to manage their own health care