Partner with young people for the health of the community
COVID-19 cases are highest in young adults. We need to partner with them for the health of the whole community.
The World Health Organisation has warned that people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, who may be unaware they’re infected, are driving the spread of COVID-19.
Data reveals coronavirus is more common in younger adults, with people in Australia aged 20-29 having the highest rates of COVID-19.
Testing is lower in this age group, because one of the key indications for testing is the presence of symptoms, which young people are less likely to have.
Young people have reported they’re aware of and are trying to adhere to public health directives to avoid catching or spreading the virus. However, in order to achieve a greater level of adherence, a greater appreciation of the indirect effects of the pandemic on younger people is needed — whether it be work, study, social lives, caring responsibilities, declining mental health and an exacerbation of social and economic inequalities.
Public health directives and communications also need to be tailored to the needs and concerns of different groups. They need to be evidence based, two-way, regular, transparent and respectful.
Governments should partner with young people to understand their changing views and situations, and channel these insights, along with latest epidemiology, into youth-centred public health responses. This will be fundamental to addressing the social determinants of health, arresting community spread and protecting the whole community.
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the full article: COVID-19 cases are highest in young adults. We need to partner with them for the health of the whole community [opens external link].
Byline
Philippa Collin, Western Sydney University; Melissa Kang, University of Technology Sydney; Rachel Skinner, University of Sydney.
