Adolescents with chronic illness

Article Abstract:

Understanding of the epidemiology and prevalence of chronic illness in adolescents is enhanced by an article by Newacheck and coworkers, which appears in the December 1991 issue of American Journal of Diseases of Children. The apparently high rate of chronic illness in teens is striking; up to 6 percent of teens have chronic illnesses, and 20 percent of those affected have severe conditions. These rates are similar to those observed in young children. Most of the conditions that affect teens will allow them to survive into adulthood. Function may be affected as much by secondary physical and behavioral problems as by the actual disorder. Disease is a particular problem during adolescence because it is the period in life when autonomy develops and personal identity is formed. Disease may increase dependency on others, and autonomy may then be difficult. In addition, many people with chronic diseases, including teens, are labeled and identified with their disease; this can interfere with the formation of personal identity. Other areas of physical and emotional growth may also be limited, and expectations of development into well-rounded adults may be affected by disease. Further research is suggested by these findings. The effects of chronic illness in the transition from adolescence to adulthood on employment, relationships, and dependence on public institutions should be evaluated. The mechanisms that place chronically ill teens at higher risk for behavior problems require further study; it is unclear whether disease severity or other factors are influential. The factors that facilitate the development of psychologically health teens, despite the presence of chronic illnesses, should be examined. Answers to these concerns will help pediatricians and others to effectively intervene in improving the physical and behavioral functioning of chronically ill adolescents. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Social aspects, Chronic diseases in youth

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Adolescent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a paradigm for training in early intervention and care

Article Abstract:

Despite the rapid spread of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the precursor of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), only a small group of health care professionals have committed themselves to the care of AIDS patients. Recruiting qualified professionals has been difficult. This may be because of the emotional trauma involved in dealing with individuals who are terminally ill, as well as fear of exposure to infection. The majority of AIDS cases are now concentrated in a few large urban areas, as are most of the qualified professionals who care for AIDS patients. It is anticipated that the epidemic will spread from these large urban areas to smaller and more remote locations that have few professionals qualified to provide care. AIDS has now reached the adolescent community, and a significant portion of adolescent AIDS cases are the result of heterosexual transmission. It is the adolescent HIV-infected community which provides the greatest potential for training professionals to care for AIDS patients. Many skills must be learned, including the ability to take a social and sexual history; perform appropriate physical examinations (including genital exams); provide counseling on HIV testing; give guidance on the use of contraceptives; and provide early treatment of opportunistic infections. The care giver must have information regarding laws and guidelines affecting confidentiality, learn interviewing skills, and acquire knowledge in medical, psychological, and nutritional issues. It is vital that these skills become part of each care giver's medical education. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Care and treatment, AIDS (Disease), AIDS (Disease) in children, Pediatric AIDS (Disease), AIDS virus carriers, HIV carriers

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Unrecognized pertussis infection in adolescents

Article Abstract:

Unrecognized pertussis infection appears to be common among adolescents. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has not been eliminated in the US even though there is an effective vaccine. Because pertussis occurs most commonly among infants, it often goes unrecognized among older children and teenagers. Antibodies to the organism that causes pertussis, Bordetella pertussis, were measured in 156 healthy adolescents. One to five years later, antibody levels were measured a second time in 43 of them. Overall, 6.4% showed signs of pertussis infection, and it was estimated that 6.1% of the adolescents developed pertussis each year. None of 38 adolescents who were interviewed, however, had ever been diagnosed with pertussis.

Whooping-cough, Whooping cough

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