National poll finds many 18‑25 year olds lack basic health care management skills

A recent national poll conducted by the University of Michigan Health C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital has found that a significant portion of young adults are not equipped to manage their own health care. The survey, which asked parents about their children aged 18‑25, revealed that nearly one in six parents reported that their adult child does not independently handle any basic health‑care responsibilities, from scheduling appointments to maintaining a family medical history.

The findings highlight a growing gap in health‑literacy skills among emerging adults. While many parents assume that the transition to adulthood includes taking charge of personal health, the data suggest that this assumption may be misplaced. Experts point out that early independence in health management is linked to better long‑term outcomes, yet the poll indicates that many young adults are still relying heavily on parental support for routine medical tasks.

These results underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives and resources that empower young adults to take control of their health. By fostering self‑advocacy and practical knowledge early in adulthood, health systems and educators can help bridge the gap identified in the poll and promote more autonomous, informed health‑care decision‑making.