Areas of Focus

PHACS studies how children, teenagers, and young adults develop physically, mentally, and behaviorally. In some cases, PHACS researchers compare the health of youth in PHACS to the general population of youth in the U.S.

Main areas of focus are: 

• growth during childhood and teenage years 

• when and how youth in the study mature sexually

• metabolic (converting food into energy) risk factors for heart disease

• heart health

• bone health

• brain development and health

• psychological conditions (i.e., depression and anxiety)

• language and hearing 

• behavioral development

• adolescent gynecology and HPV infection

• sexual experiences

• drug, alcohol, or cigarette use

 

To see descriptions of specific studies, visit the Research Summary page.