Disparities in health can become larger after high school
Stephen Hunter wants to help reduce disparities in health that can occur for youth after high school.
Adolescence has been described as a critical period for building a foundation for lifelong health and ensuring the well-being of the next generation. While high school environments may protect teenagers from the impact of some social inequities, potential difficulty obtaining housing, work and post-secondary education after graduation can create social health gaps for teens and young adults. These life changes may also produce gender gaps in health, as women are more likely to experience inequitable access to education and employment than men, placing them at an even higher risk for poor health.
Researcher Stephen Hunter is a WCHRI postdoctoral fellow examining the impact of social inequities, such as income inequality, on health. “Our findings may help prevent unhealthy behaviours and outcomes in teenagers during and after high school,” he says. They could also help guide interventions to prevent women from facing adverse social factors.
