Adolescent medicine

Article Abstract:

An adolescent's access to medical care and preventive information depends on the political climate. Scientific knowledge, political will and appropriate social strategies are necessary to effect social policy change. There are many barriers that prevent adolescents from utilizing health services. Adolescents are usually uninsured or insured only under their parents' plans. They may be reluctant to use their parents' insurance for services such as AIDS testing, contraception or preventive care. The best way to ensure that adolescents obtain adequate health care is to offer services in a variety of settings such as schools and other community-based centers. Providing care for adolescents in different settings may be viewed as an unnecessary expense by proponents of health-care cost containment. In actuality, adolescents who have access to medical care and preventive services will probably need less care later.

Social aspects, Political aspects, Medical policy, Health policy, Adolescent medicine

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The adolescent viewpoint: implications for access and prevention

Article Abstract:

Improvement in adolescent health depends largely on the use of health care services. Mortality from accidental injury, suicide and murder is increasing among teens. Adolescents engage in risky sexual behavior that can lead to disease and unplanned pregnancies. If teens feel comfortable about their health care provider, they may be more likely to return for care and preventive services. A large group of ninth graders in Philadelphia rated 31 characteristics of health care facilities and providers in order of importance. Researchers found that teens were most concerned about infection control procedures and cleanliness. Teens worry about contracting HIV from health care workers, although the risk is minimal. They also rated respect, honesty and sensitivity as desired interpersonal skills of health care practitioners.

Usage, Medical care, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Health attitudes

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The National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health: preliminary results

Article Abstract:

The National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health may provide data on why teenagers engage in risky behaviors and suggest ways of preventing such behavior. This ongoing study will interview and track 12,118 teenagers nationwide. A preliminary analysis revealed that many teenagers engage in risky behaviors and that individual factors explain most of this behavior. However, teenagers with good family and school relationships were less likely to engage in risky behavior. All primary care physicians should provide annual counseling to their adolescent patients.

Behavior, Risk factors (Health)

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