The Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital is actively involved in many research projects aimed at providing a better understanding of adolescent health issues. The division has significantly expanded its research addressing a multitude of adolescent and young adult health issues. Learn about research projects in Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine.
Our projects focus on:
- Developing interventions to improve adolescent and young adult health, and supporting adolescents to maintain healthy habits as they grow into adults
- Studying and initiating methods of delivering health care to at-risk youth
- Promoting positive youth development
- Designing curricula for teaching healthcare providers to meet the specific needs of adolescents and young adults
Current projects include research in:
- Eating disorders
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Bone health and osteoporosis
- Chronic disease
- Asthma
- HIV
- Endometriosis
- Menstrual problems
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Young men’s health
- Obesity and eating disorders prevention
- Mental health
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Respiratory disease
- Sexual orientation, transgender health, and health disparities
- Media effects
- Substance use
- Pregnancy prevention
- Transition
- Iron deficiency
Boston LEAH Program
Over the past 27 years, the Boston LEAH Program has produced more than 1,200 articles, chapters, books, videotapes, cases, and Internet resources. Research presentations have been given by fellows and faculty at meetings of the APHA, CDC, NASPAG, American Psychological Association, Ambulatory Pediatrics Association, SPR, and SAHM.
Center for Young Women’s Health
The Center for Young Women's Health, in collaboration with the Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine and the Division of Gynecology, carries out research in congenital anomalies, endometriosis, and PCOS.
Digital Wellness Lab
Ongoing research is also being done through the Digital Wellness Lab, which is dedicated to understanding and responding to the effects of media on the physical, mental, and social health of children through research, production, and education.
The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)
The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) working group is based at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and brings together experts from diverse disciplines whose work focuses on the intersections of sexual orientation, gender, and health. Biweekly meetings provide a space for members to discuss, critique, and develop research, advocacy, and public health projects focused on promoting health equity among gender and sexual minority populations.