Millions of young people could miss out on effective treatments because too few take part in medical research, experts warn. Data from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) shows that 18- to 24-year-olds make up 8% of England’s population but only 4.4% of trial participants.
Kirsty Blenkins of the Association for Young People’s Health said treatments are often tested on older adults, meaning they may not be suitable for younger patients who face unique challenges such as mental health issues, obesity, and asthma.
Dr Esther Mukuka, NIHR’s director for research inclusion, said low participation could lead to future treatments that fail to meet young people’s needs. “Research shapes how we manage everyday conditions and mental health,” she said.
To boost participation, the NIHR has launched a UK-wide volunteer registry to match people with suitable studies. Experts say improving representation across age, gender, and ethnicity is vital to ensure future healthcare is safe, inclusive, and effective for all.
