The COVID-19 pandemic and related public health policies (e.g., school closures, vaccine distribution) are likely impacting the short- and long-term health behaviors of adolescents. By April 2020, the majority of the United States (US) population was living under a stay-at-home order. Since then, all states have attempted some form of reopening, often leading to surges in cases and putting restrictions back in place. Although essential to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, these necessary public health measures may be substantially affecting the lives of adolescents, including their friendships and relationships with romantic and sexual partners.

Further, COVID-19 may be amplifying existing health disparities experienced by sexual and gender minority (SGM) and racial/ethnic minority populations. Prior to COVID-19, SGM and racial/ethnic minority youth faced substantial health inequities. Given that COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, it is critical to understand how the pandemic is contributing to sexual health disparities.

Even with vaccines, COVID-19 will remain an important influence on our daily lives for years to come. If we have learned anything from the pandemic thus far, it is that the future holds unknowns. What is clear is that life is unlikely to be “normal” anytime soon. It is critical to understand what this means for young people’s health if we are to allocate public health resources appropriately.

QuarenTeenHealth is a study of 2,000 teens to understand where and how health supports aimed at alleviating the impacts of COVID-19 on adolescents can be targeted. Understanding how COVID-19 and related public health policies have impacted adolescent health will be critical to continuing to reduce health disparities among adolescents. It is a partnership between researchers at CiPHR and Boston University.

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