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Dukalska M, Szydłowski L, Bilewicz-Wyrozumska T, Skierska A, Dubiel J. [Arterial hypertension among children and teenagers in the Upper Silesia]. WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2006; 59:177-83. [PMID: 16813260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays arterial hypertension is more frequently observed among children and teenagers then it used to be earlier. Arterial hypertension and obesity are more and more often the main sources of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this work was to assess the patients with the arterial hypertension treated in the Department of Pediatric Cardiology in Katowice in 2003. Patients' age, family history of hypertension, family background and parents' education were taken into consideration. Birth weight, BMI factor, all the sufferings reported by patients, blood pressure measurements results, ABPM, EKG parameters, ECHO+ Doppler parameters, exercise test results, fundus of the eye examination, laboratory investigation results, were also analyzed. Our results show that a positive family history is a very important factor in the development of arterial hypertension among children (44.7%). In our patients' cases the most frequent clinical symptoms are tachycardia (68%) and obesity (59.2%). In conclusion, children and teenagers with hypertension should be successfully treated and those with positive family history of hypertension should be taken under primary prevention in order to decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications.
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Huk-Wieliczuk E, Wdowiak L. State of health of adolescents in eastern regions of Poland. Podlasie region child. ANNALS OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE : AAEM 2006; 13:39-43. [PMID: 16841870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was an attempt to evaluate the state of health of adolescents aged 15 years, living in Podlasie region near the border of Poland and Bielorus. Data from the Schoolchild Development and Health Investigation Charts covering 197 rural and 208 urban adolescents were analyzed. The significance of differences between the two populations were tested by Chi 2 test at the level of p > 0.05. The study showed that nearly 60% of rural and 70% of urban schoolchildren have health problems. The most common of these problems are associated with the body posture. The data on self-reported health indicated that the most often observed complaints in both populations (rural and urban) of adolescents were: headaches, difficulties with falling asleep and lack of appetite. In spite of the high incidence of health problems, the number of schoolchildren being attended by medical specialists in outpatient departments is relatively small, to the disadvantage of the rural population. The laryngology and ophthalmology departments were visited most frequently. The analysis of the results of the studies confirmed that the state of health of the children examined is unsatisfactory. An effective prevention of these negative phenomena requires the creation of efficient systemic mechanisms on the one hand, and on the other, a constant monitoring of objective and self-reported health.
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McKee D, Fletcher J. Primary Care for Urban Adolescent Girls from Ethnically Diverse Populations: Foregone Care and Access to Confidential Care. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2006; 17:759-74. [PMID: 17242529 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2006.0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent girls face unique challenges in health care utilization, which can result in unmet needs. We sought to describe settings of usual care and primary care use, and to identify predictors of foregone care and experience of confidential care in a primarily racial/ethnic minority low-income sample. We conducted an anonymous computer-assisted self-administered survey of 9th-12th grade girls (n=819) in three Bronx public high schools, the majority of whom were Hispanic (69.8%) and Black (21.4%). Most (80%) reported having a usual source of care. Of these, 77.2% had a regular doctor. Those least likely to have a usual source of care were non-U.S. born girls (73.1% vs. 83.1%) and less acculturated girls. Predictors of foregone care in the last year include being sexually active, poor family social support, and low self esteem. Predictors of access to confidential care at last visit were age, self-efficacy for confidential care, having a regular doctor, setting of care, and having had a recent physical exam. Many urban adolescent girls, especially non-U.S. born girls, lack a usual source of care and regular health care provider. Continued attention to reducing both financial and non-financial barriers to care is required to ensure access to and quality of care for diverse populations.
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Blair EM, Zubrick SR, Cox AH. The Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey: findings to date on adolescents. Med J Aust 2005; 183:433-5. [PMID: 16225453 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2005.tb07112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2005] [Accepted: 09/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This state-wide Aboriginal community child health survey, the first of its kind in Australia, describes physical and mental health and their antecedents in Western Australian Aboriginal children and young people. Aboriginal young people had significantly more physical and mental health problems and were more likely to engage in lifestyle risk factors than non-Aboriginal young people. Aboriginal young people tend to be caught up in a cycle of disadvantage that includes family and community factors as well as recent history, facilitating their making less optimal life choices, thereby perpetuating the cycle. A coordinated approach will be required to break this cycle, in which appropriately and sympathetically provided medical attention is necessary but not sufficient.
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Zimmerman FJ. Social and economic determinants of disparities in professional help-seeking for child mental health problems: evidence from a national sample. Health Serv Res 2005; 40:1514-33. [PMID: 16174145 PMCID: PMC1361199 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2005.00411.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the role of social determinants-including race, education, income, and demographic factors-of child mental health services use, defined as having had a visit to a mental health professional for depression, attention-deficit, or for any reason. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and the Child/Young Adult supplement, a nationally representative sample of 7-14-year-old children born to women who were 14-22 years old at the start of data collection, in 1979. African Americans and Latinos were over-sampled, and population weights are available to make nationally representative inferences. STUDY DESIGN Indicators of mental health service use were regressed on social and economic determinants, family structure variables, and insurance variables, controlling for need as captured by several different symptom scales. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Girls are much less likely to obtain needed treatment for externalizing behavior disorders than are boys, and are somewhat less likely to obtain needed treatment for depression than boys. Middle children are less likely to obtain needed treatment for any mental health problem than are oldest, youngest, or only children. The presence of the father inhibits the likelihood that the child will receive treatment, particularly for depression. African Americans and Latinos are less likely than white children to receive treatment. In contrast to these rich results for the social and demographic determinants of children's specialty mental health utilization, the economic and insurance variables (including maternal education and income) seem to hold little predictive power. CONCLUSIONS These results argue for interventions to sensitize parents-especially fathers-to the need to pay attention to the mental health needs of their children, in particular girls and middle children. The analysis also suggests that the literature on intrahousehold decision making and on the gender dimensions of investment in children is worth extending to mental health treatment decisions.
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Alday J, Alonso V, Fernández-Calatrava B, García-Baró R, González-Juárez C, Pérez-Pérez E, Poza A. Variaciones del consumo de recursos ambulatorios en la atención especializada de salud mental a niños y adolescentes. GACETA SANITARIA 2005; 19:448-55. [PMID: 16483522 DOI: 10.1016/s0213-9111(05)71395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess possible variability in the therapeutic approaches provided to patients aged less than 18 years old in community mental health centres (CMHC) in terms of the number of visits and length of treatment. METHOD An observational, analytical, prospective, longitudinal study was performed in a clinical cohort of 298 subjects attending the CMHC of Leganés and Fuenlabrada (Madrid) for the first time. RESULTS The median number of visits per patient was six in Leganés and three in Fuenlabrada (p < 0.001). The mean length of treatment was more than twice as long in Leganés (276 days) than in Fuenlabrada (119 days) (p < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed that the treatments provided in Fuenlabrada involved fewer visits, irrespective of the health professional in charge (psychiatrist or psychologist), the treatment modality prescribed (individual psychotherapy, other psychotherapies or no explicit treatment prescribed), or whether the patient abandoned treatment or the discharge was agreed. Similar results were found for the length of treatment. CONCLUSIONS The different clinical styles illustrate the difficulty of developing useful risk adjustment systems in mental health. The differences in resource consumption and costs cannot easily be attributed to patient-related variables, but are due rather to the intervention provided, which depends on the staff.
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Fairbrother G, Scheinmann R, Osthimer B, Dutton MJ, Newell KA, Fuld J, Klein JD. Factors that influence adolescent reports of counseling by physicians on risky behavior. J Adolesc Health 2005; 37:467-76. [PMID: 16310124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2004] [Revised: 11/01/2004] [Accepted: 11/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine factors that affect whether low-income adolescents report that their doctor talked with them about risky behavior. METHODS Random digit-dial survey of low-income adolescents in New York City asking about depression, smoking, alcohol use, and sexual activity and the screening and counseling they received on these risk factors and risks during health visits. RESULTS Prevalence of counseling by physicians was low, according to adolescent reports, ranging from 17% of adolescents counseled about depression to 52% about sexually transmitted diseases. Older adolescents were more likely than younger to receive counseling about all topics. In bivariate and multivariate models, having the risk factor was strongly associated with physicians counseling for depression (adjusted [adj.] OR = 4.42; p < 0.001); for sexual activity and counseling about condom use (adj. OR = 4.06; p < 0.01), and birth control (adj. OR = 2.76; p < 0.03). Still, many adolescents at risk had not received counseling. Many adolescents have not had a private and confidential visit with their provider. Having a private and confidential visit was also associated with receipt of counseling. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents are not receiving sufficient counseling about risks and risky behavior, according to their own reports. There is need to improve delivery of counseling and ensure that private and confidential visits are provided to youth.
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Sleed M, Eccleston C, Beecham J, Knapp M, Jordan A. The economic impact of chronic pain in adolescence: Methodological considerations and a preliminary costs-of-illness study. Pain 2005; 119:183-190. [PMID: 16297552 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2005.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2005] [Revised: 08/18/2005] [Accepted: 09/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain in adulthood is one of the most costly conditions in modern western society. However, very little is known about the costs of chronic pain in adolescence. This preliminary study explored methods for collecting economic-related data for this population and estimated the cost-of-illness of adolescent chronic pain in the United Kingdom. The client service receipt inventory was specifically adapted for use with parents of adolescent chronic pain patients to collect economic-related data (CSRI-Pain). This method was compared and discussed in relation to other widely used methods. The CSRI-Pain was sent to 52 families of adolescents with chronic pain to complete as a self-report retrospective questionnaire. These data were linked with unit costs to estimate the total care cost package for each family. The economic impact of adolescent chronic pain was found to be high. The mean cost per adolescent experiencing chronic pain was approximately 8,000 pounds per year, including direct and indirect costs. The adolescents attending a specialised pain management unit, who had predominantly non-inflammatory pain, accrued significantly higher costs, than those attending rheumatology outpatient clinics, who had mostly inflammatory diagnoses. Extrapolating the mean total cost to estimated UK prevalence data of adolescent chronic pain demonstrates a cost-of-illness to UK society of approximately 3,840 million pounds in one year. The implications of the study are discussed.
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Klein D, Wild TC, Cave A. Understanding why adolescents decide to visit family physicians: qualitative study. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2005; 51:1660-1. [PMID: 16926945 PMCID: PMC1479494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand why Canadian adolescents go or do not go to see family physicians for annual checkups using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a conceptual framework. DESIGN Qualitative analysis of small group discussions. SETTING Edmonton, Alta, a large Canadian city. PARTICIPANTS Seventeen adolescents (6 male, 11 female) recruited from a medical clinic and an organized youth group. METHOD Two small group discussions and one validation focus group were held. A combination of category coding and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data transcribed. MAIN FINDINGS Adolescents reported that regular checkups, although uncomfortable, are a good idea. They also reported that going to a family doctor for a checkup is out of their control because of numerous barriers (eg, lack of time, not knowing how to set it up, or lack of transportation). Participants thought their parents' opinions on going for routine checkups were more important than the opinions of their peers. CONCLUSION Family physicians should recognize adolescents' attitudes toward visiting family physicians' offices and understand the potential barriers adolescents face in coming in for checkups in order to make visits to their offices more comfortable and beneficial.
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Heawzell A, Gibbs E. Pregnant adolescents: who cares? THE PRACTISING MIDWIFE 2005; 8:12-5. [PMID: 16372597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
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Gopalakrishnan S, Pugh RN. Mandatory reporting of all sexually active under-13s: reporting is a public health imperative. BMJ 2005; 331:1083. [PMID: 16269507 PMCID: PMC1283236 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.331.7524.1083-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Yeo MSM, Bond LM, Sawyer SM. Health risk screening in adolescents: room for improvement in a tertiary inpatient setting. Med J Aust 2005; 183:427-9. [PMID: 16225451 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2005.tb07110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2004] [Accepted: 09/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the extent to which comprehensive health screening of adolescents was undertaken in a tertiary inpatient setting. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective review of 100 consecutive medical records of 13-18-year-old adolescents admitted to The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne (first 20 consecutive admissions in 2001 to each of five units--general medicine, adolescent medicine, specialty medicine, general surgery, and specialty surgery). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Documentation of screening for biomedical (height, weight, pubertal staging, and hepatitis B vaccination) and psychosocial concerns (HEADSS framework categorised into four screening levels--none, incomplete, adequate, thorough). Risks identified and actions taken. RESULTS Weight was recorded for 98 patients, height for 17, pubertal staging for 12, and hepatitis B vaccination status for nine. Documentation of psychosocial screening was absent from 62 charts, inadequate in 29, thorough in three, and complete in seven charts. Adolescent medicine inpatients were more likely than patients in other units to have any screening of psychosocial risk recorded and more likely to be thoroughly screened (P < 0.005). Screening was more often documented for less sensitive issues (eg, home, tobacco) than higher risk behaviours (eg, illicit drug use) (P = 0.013). When screening identified risks, appropriate action was undertaken in most cases. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights deficiencies in comprehensive health screening in adolescents admitted to a tertiary children's hospital. These results support the development of more consistent approaches to screening adolescent inpatients.
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Abstract
PURPOSE The purposes of this pilot study were to examine prevalence of depressive symptoms among rural adolescents and identify related social and environmental variables. METHODS A convenience sample of 299 14- to 18-year-old agriculture class students at 5 rural high schools in Kentucky and Iowa completed a survey that included demographic information, family farm history, experience with suicide, perception of school environment, and indicators of farm injuries and risky behaviors. Participants also completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) as well as scales to assess the number of major life events in the last year, active coping use, and family closeness. FINDINGS The prevalence of a high level of depressive symptoms (CES-D > or = 16) in this sample was 34%. Nine percent had seriously considered suicide in the last year. Unlike previous reports, boys reported as many depressive symptoms as girls. Although the literature reports that engaging in risky behavior is associated with depressive symptoms, the only risky behavior linked with depressive symptoms in this sample was operating a 4-wheel all-terrain vehicle. Other predictors of depressive symptoms included poor family relationships and poor active coping. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to identify and prevent depressive symptoms in rural adolescents are needed. Boosting active coping and improving family function may also prevent the development of clinical depression in rural adolescents.
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Renaud J, Chagnon F, Turecki G, Marquette C. Completed suicides in a youth centres population. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2005; 50:690-4. [PMID: 16363461 DOI: 10.1177/070674370505001108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE From 1995 to 2000, 422 youths, aged 18 years and under, died as a result of suicide in Quebec. More than one-third had received services from youth centres (YCs) at some point. This study sought to characterize a sample of those youths to improve services for this at-risk population. METHOD From a retrospective study of YCs and coroner's office files, we investigated the clinical features of youths who had received YC services and died by suicide. We compared them with YC patients matched for age, sex, and geographic area who had reported suicidal behaviour or who had no such symptoms. RESULTS Among those who committed suicide, we found a ratio of 3.8 boys for 1 girl, with a mean age of 16.8 years. Hanging, used by 73.6%, was the most frequent means; 53.6% had a previous suicide attempt. The group that committed suicide had more indicators of major depression, substance abuse, and disruptive behaviours, as well as more adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Interventions should focus on screening for mental disorders and suicidal behaviours on the initial contact with YC services. This screening should be implemented through a medical multidisciplinary team that includes psychoeducational services.
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Tebb KP, Pantell RH, Wibbelsman CJ, Neuhaus JM, Tipton AC, Pecson SC, Pai-Dhungat M, Ko TH, Shafer MAB. Screening sexually active adolescents for Chlamydia trachomatis: what about the boys? Am J Public Health 2005; 95:1806-10. [PMID: 16186459 PMCID: PMC1449440 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2003.037507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the effectiveness of a systems-based intervention designed to increase Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) screening among adolescent boys. METHODS An intervention aimed at increasing CT screening among adolescent girls was extended to adolescent boys (14-18 years). Ten pediatric clinics in a health maintenance organization with an ethnically diverse population were randomized. Experimental clinics participated in a clinical practice improvement intervention; control clinics received traditional information on screening. RESULTS The intervention significantly increased CT screening at the experimental sites from 0% (baseline) to 60% (18-month posttest); control sites evidenced a change only from 0% to 5%. The overall prevalence of CT was 4%. CONCLUSIONS Although routine CT screening is currently recommended only for young sexually active women, the present results show that screening interventions can be successful in the case of adolescent boys, among whom CT is a moderate problem.
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Wagner I, Stathis S, Harden S, Crimmins J. Models and patterns of service in child and youth consultation-liaison services. Australas Psychiatry 2005; 13:273-8. [PMID: 16174201 DOI: 10.1080/j.1440-1665.2005.02201.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to examine referral pathways to child and youth consultation-liaison (C-L) services to identify patterns associated with demographic characteristics of patients, referral sources, the presenting problem and models of service. METHOD A case record review with a cross-sectional design. Data were extracted from the records of all patients referred to the C-L service for a 3 month period. RESULTS Adolescents were more likely to access mental health services through informal liaison services. Medical specialty areas that were inclusive of nursing and allied health, in both the request for service and initial response to the request, had higher frequencies of referral. There was no difference between the disciplines of medicine and social work in the frequency of referrals. However, medicine, social work and nursing differed in the number of staff who initiated the request for consultation, and the types of problems that were presented as reasons for referral. CONCLUSIONS Inclusive multidisciplinary models may facilitate the development of service relationships in paediatric hospital settings, due to the stability of staffing arrangements. The wider participation of allied health and nursing staff within paediatric hospitals may extend opportunities for the identification of mental health problems and enhance timely management of referrals.
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D'amico EJ. Factors that impact adolescents' intentions to utilize alcohol-related prevention services. J Behav Health Serv Res 2005; 32:332-40. [PMID: 16010188 DOI: 10.1007/bf02291832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The current study is the first to examine factors that may be associated with middle school students' intentions to use alcohol-related prevention services. Youth (N = 1506; 46% male; 11-14 years old) completed surveys on their intentions to use alcohol-related services, beliefs about services, previous use of services, and substance use. Students who reported stronger positive beliefs reported greater intentions to use services. Girls, younger students, and whites also reported stronger interest in using services than boys, older students, and youth of mixed ethnicity, respectively. Adolescents who reported current use of substances were less willing to use prevention services. Current research highlights the importance of creating prevention services for this age group that are developmentally relevant and that focus on features that will attract youth, such as utilizing an interactive discussion format. Beginning to understand what motivates adolescents to seek help can facilitate the creation of better prevention programs.
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Renard F, Martin E, Cueva C, Deccache A. [Newly immigrant adolescents health and quality of life in Belgium: screening and prevention in school medicine]. Arch Pediatr 2005; 12:1471-7. [PMID: 16084075 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2005.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2004] [Accepted: 06/04/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known so far about the health of newly immigrant adolescents. The present study aimed to evaluate their health and quality of life (QoL) and to reinforce prevention and health promotion in school medicine. METHODS One hundred and fifty-eight adolescents (mean age: 15,4 years) from 37 nationalities were included in the study in two health centers in Brussels. This study was carried out by medical records analysis and administration of a questionnaire about health and QoL (VSP-A) in several languages. RESULTS The results showed adolescents in good physical health. Nevertheless their quality of life deteriorated over time in Belgium. The QoL was significantly lower for adolescents without social support: 48,0 (SD=13,5) vs 60,6 (SD=11,1) compared with adolescents with social support - i.e. with one resource person - on a scale from 0 to 100. Adolescents had many subjective health problems, like "the future" cited by half of them. CONCLUSION This study shows the importance of developping a specific approach to newly immigrant adolescents health and the contribution of school medicine in the identification of biological, psychological and social needs and hightlights the preventive answers carried out by school medicine.
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Haavet OR, Straand J, Hjortdahl P, Saugstad OD. Do negative life experiences predict the health-care-seeking of adolescents? A study of 10th-year students in Oslo, Norway. J Adolesc Health 2005; 37:128-34. [PMID: 16026722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2004] [Accepted: 08/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze associations among the negative life experiences and health-care-seeking of adolescents during the 12 months before the study. METHODS Cross-sectional questionnaire study among 10th-year students at all secondary schools in Oslo. RESULTS In 2000 and in 2001, 7329 (88%) of Oslo's 8316 secondary-school students responded to the questionnaire. Some contacts with primary health care during the previous year were reported by 71% of respondents, and 6% had seen a mental health practitioner (psychologist or psychiatrist). Health care utilization was not correlated with the family's financial situation as reported by the student (boys = 1019; girls = 1258), or with a parent's unemployment (boys = 253; girls = 325). The 2112 boys (59% of all) and 2378 girls (64%) who reported feeling strong pressure from others to succeed, had more contacts with all primary health care services. Girls, but not boys, who reported being bullied by others reported more psychologist or psychiatrist visits than did their nonbullied peers. Exposure to physical violence was associated with a significant increase in visits to the School Health Service, family physician, and emergency medical service, and was related to more than doubling the probability of visiting a mental health practitioner. Being sexually violated during the previous year increased the likelihood of boys visiting mental health practitioner more than four times (odds ratio [OR] 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-12.2); and visiting School Health Service by nearly four times, (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.0-13.5). CONCLUSION Variation in adolescent health care seeking can, by and large, be predicted by negative life experiences.
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Berdahl TA, Hoyt DR, Whitbeck LB. Predictors of first mental health service utilization among homeless and runaway adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2005; 37:145-54. [PMID: 16026724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2004] [Accepted: 08/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe and explain variations in first mental health service utilization before and after running away from home for homeless adolescents. METHODS Survey interviews were conducted with homeless and runaway youth in several Midwestern locations. The effects of family of origin factors and street experiences on the likelihood of seeing a mental health professional for the first time before running away and after running away for the first time were examined. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression methods are used to analyze these data. Interactions are tested across race and gender sub-groups. RESULTS Caretaker education, caretaker rejection, and family transitions increase the probability that an adolescent first sees a mental health professional before running away from home. Post-run intervention is more likely for females, younger runaways, shelter users, youths with social support networks, and youths abused by their caretakers. A gender gap in first service use exists for Whites but not for minority youth. Minority youth who experienced family abuse were less likely than abused Whites to report ever seeing a mental health professional. CONCLUSIONS Analyses indicate homeless youth's utilization patterns are differentiated by family of origin factors, street experiences, timing of first utilization, and by race and gender interactions. Our findings suggest that youths whose first contact with mental health service use follows running away for the first time may experience higher levels of mental distress compared with other homeless runaways. The significant differences in first service use across race and gender subgroups should be further explored. The racial-ethnic gap in first mental health intervention for abused youths indicates this sub-group is not receiving services that are available to other homeless youths. Our findings suggest that homelessness does not homogenize racial/ethnic differences in first mental health service utilization.
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Rand CM, Auinger P, Klein JD, Weitzman M. Preventive counseling at adolescent ambulatory visits. J Adolesc Health 2005; 37:87-93. [PMID: 16026717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2005.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2004] [Accepted: 07/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate factors that independently predict counseling for diet, exercise, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy, smoking, and injuries at adolescent well visits, and compare these rates to the frequency of counseling at adolescent acute visits. METHODS The 1997-2000 National Ambulatory Medical Care and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys were combined for patients aged 11-21 years. Acute visits were identified by ICD-9 code for: sexual health, obesity, asthma, injury, and well care. Bivariate analyses were used to determine differences in relevant counseling provided at acute visits compared with well visits. Logistic regression was used to assess factors that predict counseling on each of the above topics at well adolescent visits. RESULTS Of 23,378 adolescent ambulatory visits, 1508 (6.5%) were for well care. Only 0.8% of visits were for obesity, 3.7% for sexual health, 2.6% for asthma, and 13% for injuries. Counseling was more frequent at acute than well visits for diet (72% vs. 28%), exercise (52% vs. 23%), human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted diseases (HIV/STD; 14% vs. 6.2%), and family planning (FP) (24% vs. 10%), (all p values < .05). Pediatric clinicians were more likely than other specialists to provide counseling for diet (OR 2.3), HIV/STD (OR 2.7), FP (OR 2.9), tobacco use (OR 2.8), and injury prevention (OR 4.7). Blacks received less exercise counseling than Whites (OR 0.4), and counseling about sensitive issues (STDs, family planning) occurred more often in older adolescents (OR 1.3). CONCLUSIONS Despite recommendations, more counseling occurs at acute rather than well visits, and still does not reach all those adolescents in need. There remains much room for improvement in physicians' adherence to national guidelines for adolescent care.
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Wallace LA, Young D, Brown A, Cameron JC, Ahmed S, Duff R, Carman WF, Kitchin NRE, Nguyen-Van-Tam JS, Goldberg DJ. Costs of running a universal adolescent hepatitis B vaccination programme. Vaccine 2005; 23:5624-31. [PMID: 16099079 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2005.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2004] [Accepted: 06/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the first UK study to examine feasibility and acceptability of universal adolescent hepatitis B vaccination, the costs associated with the administration and uptake (80.2 and 89.3% for three doses and at least two doses, respectively), of a three-dose regimen in pupils in Glasgow schools (2001/2002) were measured. These data were used to estimate the economic outlay for the delivery of a routine, ongoing three-dose and two-dose hepatitis B vaccine programme in schools. Vaccine, accounting for almost 70% of the overall costs, was the largest cost item for both the pilot and routine programmes, using either regimen. However, the ongoing, two-dose regimen was the cheapest option in this analysis, irrespective of vaccine price. Cost data from this study may be useful for other countries wishing to implement a similar programme.
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Carlson MJ, Gabriel RM, Deck DD, Laws KE, D'Ambrosio R. The impact of managed care on publicly funded outpatient adolescent substance abuse treatment: service use and six-month outcomes in Oregon and Washington. Med Care Res Rev 2005; 62:320-38. [PMID: 15894707 DOI: 10.1177/1077558705275420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of managed care on publicly funded adolescent substance abuse treatment by comparing differences in service utilization and outcomes across prospective samples from two states: Oregon, which uses managed care practices in service financing and delivery, and Washington, which does not. One hundred and six adolescents from Washington and 94 from Oregon, who entered outpatient substance abuse treatment in 1998 and 1999, completed self-report surveys about their substance use before and after receiving treatment (follow-up rate = 75 percent). In addition, clinical chart reviews conducted at the 6-month follow-up assessed the type and amount of treatment these adolescents received during the study period. It was found that service utilization and treatment outcomes were comparable across the two state samples. The evidence presented here suggests that managed care is capable of delivering substance abuse treatment services of comparable quality to state-administered substance abuse treatment services.
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Marcell AV, Halpern-Felsher BL. Adolescents' health beliefs are critical in their intentions to seek physician care. Prev Med 2005; 41:118-25. [PMID: 15917002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2004] [Revised: 09/20/2004] [Accepted: 10/19/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The examination of predictors of adolescents' intentions to use health care for different types of health issues has received little attention. This study examined adolescents' health beliefs and how they relate to intentions to seek physician care across different types of health problems. METHODS Two hundred ten high school students (54% females; 76.6% participation rate) completed a self-administered survey of four separate age- and gender-specific health case scenarios: an adolescent who has symptoms of pneumonia; smokes five cigarettes daily; plans to initiate sex; and has symptoms of depression. For each health scenario, participants rated the seriousness of the health problem, physician effectiveness, and intentions to seek physician care. RESULTS Most adolescents believed all health problems were serious except for planning to initiate sex (P < 0.001). Adolescents believed that physicians were most effective in diagnosis and treatment for pneumonia, followed by cigarette use, depression, and sex, respectively (P's < 0.001). Adolescents' intentions to seek physician care were greatest for physical as compared to risk behavior or mental health problems (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses revealed that adolescents had greater intentions to seek physician care for cigarette, sex, and depression when they believed physicians were effective and they perceived these as health problems after controlling for age and gender (all P's < 0.001). Health beliefs explained 12% to 49% of the variance in intentions to seek care (all P's < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents' health beliefs are important when understanding intentions to seek physician care. Health care use may be improved by increasing adolescents' beliefs that physicians are effective in areas other than physical health, including risk behaviors and mental health.
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