Center for Youth Health Promotion

Welcome to the home page of the Center for Youth Health Promotion (CYHP) at the University of Minnesota.

The CYHP was established to disseminate to schools and communities the innovative youth health promotion programs and materials that were created in acclaimed research by faculty and staff in the Division of Epidemiology of the School of Public Health.

Why do epidemiologists conduct studies with youth?

Chronic diseases and premature death can often be linked to social, environmental, and behavioral factors that are subject to modification. Childhood and adolescence are times when many health behaviors are formed.

Epidemiologists work to understand factors that influence the development of health behaviors and develop strategies to promote healthy behaviors and prevent unhealthy behaviors. Targeting these inquiries and efforts at children and adolescents is important for their immediate health and well-being, as well as for the prevention of disease as these children mature into adulthood.

Many behaviors associated with chronic disease begin during the adolescent years. Therefore, intervening during adolescence offers a prime opportunity for primary prevention. In addition, some behaviors warrant intervention because of their potential harm during childhood and adolescence, such as substance use and violence.

Participants in the CYHP studies range in age from kindergarten students to young adults. A variety of youth are included in the studies. Examples include inner-city youth, youth living in small and rural communities, and youth living on American Indian reservations.

The study of prevention and health promotion among children and adolescents is a dynamic and exciting field. The CYHP represents research in the forefront of prevention science conducted by prominent scientists in the field.

Established with gifts from: Elmer Martinson MD and The Martinson Foundation; and The General Mills Foundation