Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 44, Issue 6 , Pages 536-545, June 2009

Adolescent Preventive Services: Rates and Disparities in Preventive Health Topics Covered during Routine Medical Care in a California Sample

  • Sally H. Adams, R.N., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, California
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to: Sally Adams, R.N., Ph.D., Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California–San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 245, San Francisco, CA 94143-0503.
  • ,
  • Sheila Husting, B.A.

      Affiliations

    • Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, California
  • ,
  • Elaine Zahnd, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Public Health Institute, Oakland, Calfornia
  • ,
  • Elizabeth M. Ozer, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, California

Received 2 February 2008; accepted 27 August 2008. published online 08 December 2008.

Abstract 

Purpose

The objective was to examine rates and disparities in preventive health topics covered during routine medical care for adolescents, using a California sample.

Methods

Utilizing 2003 California Health Interview Survey data, the sample included 2192 adolescents attending a physical exam within the past 6 months. Adolescents reported whether nine health topics: tobacco, alcohol, drugs, seatbelts, helmets, violence, exercise, nutrition, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were discussed during their most recent physical exam. Outcomes were rates of health topics discussed and disparities in rates based on age, gender, race/ethnicity, income level, and insurance status.

Results

Rates ranged from 15% (violence) to 76% (nutrition, exercise). Compared to older teens, younger teens reported discussing safety more, but substances, nutrition, and STDs less. Compared to males, females reported discussing tobacco and helmets less, but exercise and STDs more. Compared to white youths, Hispanic youths reported more discussion of most topics, black youths reported more discussion of nutrition and less of violence, and Asian youths reported more discussion of seatbelts and helmets. Lower income and uninsured groups reported more discussion of health topics compared to higher income and insured groups.

Conclusions

Rates of coverage of health topics are below recommended levels. Contrary to expectations, minority, uninsured, and lower income groups reported higher rates of discussing health topics. Strategies to increase the coverage of preventive health topics during routine medical care should address these findings.

Keywords: Adolescent prevention services, Preventive screening

 

PII: S1054-139X(08)00406-0

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.08.015

Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 44, Issue 6 , Pages 536-545, June 2009