Adolescent health in Europe: An overview

This paper presents a broad picture of the health of adolescents in Europe through the synthesizing of available surveys. Most adolescents perceive themselves to be in good health, but about 10% have chronic illnesses. Chronic illness, mortality, and morbidity will be reviewed and discussed. The data provide some warning signs. Excess morbidity from alcohol and tobacco, if not in adolescence then certainly in adulthood, can be anticipated throughout Europe. In addition, emerging data from Eastern Europe indicate long-term problems concerning smoking, alcohol usage, unprotected intercourse, and teenage pregnancy.