Greater Representation of African-American/Black Scientists in the National Institutes of Health Review Process Will Improve Adolescent Health

Adolescents (aged 10 –19 years) constituted 12.9% of the U.S. population in 2016 and are expected to constitute 11.3% by 2050, when almost 60% of them will be nonwhite [1]. There are stark disparities in health outcomes, and their social determinants, between non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black adolescents. In 2017, the death rate among non-Hispanic blacks aged 15–19 years was 66% higher than among non-Hispanic whites, whereas their life expectancy at age 15 years was 3 years less [2]. In 2014, 60% of blacks aged 12–17 years lived in low-income families compared with 27% of whites [3].
Source: Journal of Adolescent Health - Category: Child Development Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research