Gail B. Slap

Utilization of physician offices by adolescents in the United States.

Recent guidelines for adolescent primary care call for the specification of clinical services by three adolescent age subgroups. Yet analyses of office visits have either merged adolescence into one stage or divided it at age 15 years. Objective. To explore the utilization of physician offices in the United States by early (11–14 years), middle (15–17 years), and late (18–21 years) adolescents. Design. Secondary analysis of the 1994 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, focusing on visits made by the three adolescent age groups. Setting. Nationally representative sample of 2426 physicians in nonfederal, nonhospital offices. Subjects. A total of 33 598 visits by patients of all ages, representing 681.5 million visits in 1994. Main Outcome Measures. Number of visits, health insurance, providers seen, duration of visits, reasons for visits, resulting diagnoses, and counseling provided. Results. Adolescents aged 11 to 21 years made 9.1% (61.8 million) of the total office visits and represented 15.4% of the total US population in 1994. This underrepresentation in visits held across all three adolescent age subgroups. Within the adolescent cohort, whites were overrepresented relative to their population proportion (78.5% of visits, 67.6% of population) and blacks and Hispanic adolescents were underrepresented (8.3% and 9.3% of visits, 15.5% and 13.1% of population). Middle adolescence signaled a life turning point from male to female predominance in office visits. Peak lifetime uninsurance rates occurred at middle adolescence for females (18.7%) and late adolescence for males (24.0%). Between childhood and early adolescence, public insurance decreased from 24.7% to 15.7% and uninsurance increased from 12.7% to 19.7%. Pediatricians accounted for the highest proportion of early adolescent visits (41.2%), family physicians for middle adolescent visits (35.3%), obstetrician-gynecologists for late adolescent female visits (37.3%), and family physicians for late adolescent male visits (34.8%). Mean visit duration during adolescence was 16 minutes, did not differ by age subgroup or sex, exceeded that of children (14.6 minutes), and was shorter than that of adults (19.3 minutes). Obstetrician-gynecologists spent more time with adolescents than did other physicians. Education or counseling was included in 50.4% of adolescent visits, ranging from 65.1% for obstetrician-gynecologists to 34.8% for internists. During early adolescence, the leading reasons for both male and female visits were respiratory (19.4%), dermatological (10.0%), and musculoskeletal (9.7%). A similar profile was found for middle and late adolescent males. For middle and late adolescent females, the leading reason for visits was special obstetrical-gynecological examination (12.8% and 21.1%), and the leading diagnosis resulting from visits was pregnancy (9.5% and 20.4%). Conclusions. Adolescents underutilize physician offices and are more likely to be uninsured than any other age group. Visits are short, and counseling is not a uniform component of care. As adolescents mature, their providers, presenting problems, and resulting diagnoses change. The data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey support a staged approach to adolescent preventive services, targeted to the needs of three age subgroups.

School disconnectedness: identifying adolescents at risk.

Objective. School connectedness, or the feeling of closeness to school personnel and the school environment, decreases the likelihood of health risk behaviors during adolescence. The objective of this study was to identify factors differentiating youth who do and do not feel connected to their schools in an effort to target school-based interventions to those at highest health risk. Methods. The study population consisted of all students attending the 7th through 12th grades of 8 public schools. The students were asked to complete a modified version of the in-school survey designed for the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The school connectedness score (SCS) was the summation of 5 survey items. Bivariate analyses were used to evaluate the association between SCS and 13 self-reported variables. Stepwise linear regression was conducted to identify the set of factors best predicting connectedness, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify students with SCS >1 standard deviation below the mean. Results. Of the 3491 students receiving surveys, 1959 (56%) submitted usable surveys. The sample was 47% white and 38% black. Median age was 15. Median grade was 9th. The SCS was normally distributed with a mean of 15.7 and a possible range of 5 to 25. Of the 12 variables associated with connectedness, 7 (gender, race, extracurricular involvement, cigarette use, health status, school nurse visits, and school area) entered the linear regression model. All but gender were significant in the logistic model predicting students with SCS >1 standard deviation below the mean. Conclusions. In our sample, decreasing school connectedness was associated with 4 potentially modifiable factors: declining health status, increasing school nurse visits, cigarette use, and lack of extracurricular involvement. Black race, female gender, and urban schools were also associated with lower SCS. Further work is needed to better understand the link between these variables and school connectedness. If these associations are found in other populations, school health providers could use these markers to target youth in need of assistance.

The Use of Levonorgestrel Implants (Norplant) for Contraception in Adolescent Mothers

Background Although levonorgestrel implants (Norplant) would appear to be a good contraceptive option for adolescent mothers, there is little information about the use of Norplant in this population. Methods We studied 100 postpartum adolescents who chose a contraceptive method at an urban teaching hospital between September 1991 and July 1992. Structured interviews were conducted and medical records were reviewed soon after delivery and at a mean (±SD) of 15.5 ±2.9 months post partum. Results Forty-eight of the adolescent mothers chose Norplant, 50 chose oral contraceptives, and 2 (not further studied) chose barrier methods of contraception. The factors significantly associated with the choice of Norplant were older age (16.7 years among those who chose Norplant, vs. 16.2 years among those who chose oral contraceptives), multiparity (24 subjects vs. 6 subjects), and previous use of oral contraceptives (34 subjects vs. 21 subjects). During follow-up, there were no differences between the Norplant group an...

A human immunodeficiency virus peer education program for adolescent females

Black adolescent females living in urban environments are at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Our objectives were to develop an HIV peer education program and to pilot-test its effect on knowledge and sexual behavior. Between September 1989 and March 1990, all females aged 12-19 years attending an inner-city, hospital-based adolescent clinic were invited to meet individually with trained peer educators (10 females aged 16-19 years) to discuss acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its prevention. Each participant completed a modified version of the AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Survey immediately before and 2-6 weeks after the counseling session. Of the 283 counseled patients, 241 (85%) completed the follow-up questionnaire and comprised the study sample. Mean age was 15.6 years, mean Hollingshead (parental occupational) score was 3.4, and 216 (90%) patients were black. Baseline knowledge about routes of transmission was high and did not improve on follow-up. Comparison of individual baseline and follow-up responses revealed improvements (p less than 0.05) in routes by which HIV is not transmitted, methods of prevention, individuals at risk, and general information about AIDS. The improvement in total score between baseline and follow-up was 38% for patients with low baseline scores, 13% for middle scores, and 3% for high scores (p less than 0.05). At baseline, 50 (21%) patients reported sexual intercourse within the preceding 2 weeks, compared to 33 (14%) at follow-up (p less than 0.05). Of the sexually active patients, 22 (44%) reported no condom use at baseline, compared to 11 (33%) at follow-up (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate or Oral Contraception in Postpartum Adolescents

Objective To compare rates of method continuation and repeat pregnancy among postpartum adolescents selecting depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or oral contraceptives (OCs). Methods A retrospective study of 161 adolescents aged 19 years and younger who gave birth at an urban teaching hospital between May 1,1994, and April 30,1995, returned to the hospitals family planning clinic within 14 weeks of delivery and chose depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (n = 111, 69%), or OC (n = 50, 31%) as their postpartum contraceptive method. Most subjects were black (99%), single (97%), and on medical assistance (85%). Data were gathered 12–18 months postpartum (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 14.5 ± 1.6 months) by telephone interview and medical record review. The main outcome measures were method continuation and repeat pregnancy. Results The mean (± SD) age at delivery was 17.8 ± 1.4 years. Variables differentiating subjects selecting depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or OC included multiparity (34% versus 12%, P < .05), mean age at first pregnancy (15.9 versus 16.6 years, P < .05), and mean age at first delivery (16.1 versus 16.9 years, P < .05), The survival curves for depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and OC continuation differed significantly (median duration of use 8.1 versus 5.4 months, respectively), but the continuation rates, at 12 months were similar (34% versus 32%). The survival curves for repeat pregnancy among subjects selecting depot medroxyprogesterone acetate differed significantly from curves of those choosing OC, with repeat pregnancy rates of 15% and 36% by 15 months. Postpartum selection of OC was the only variable entering a Cox regression model designed to predict repeat pregnancy (relative risk 3.0,95% confidence interval 1.4, 6.7). Conclusion Adolescent mothers choosing depot medroxy progesterone acetate or OC immediately postpartum face similarly high rates of method discontinuation and repeat pregnancy within 1 year.

Identifying Children with Pneumonia in the Emergency Department

Emergency physicians need to clinically differentiate children with and without radiographic evidence of pneumonia. In this prospective cohort study of 510 patients 2 to 59 months of age presenting with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection, 100% were evaluated with chest radiography and 44 (8.6%) had pneumonia on chest radiography. With use of multivariate analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the clinical findings significantly associated with focal infiltrates were age older than 12 months (AOR 1.4, CI 1.1-1.9), RR 50 or greater (AOR 3.5, CI 1.6-7.5), oxygen saturation 96% or less (AOR 4.6, CI 2.3-9.2), and nasal flaring (AOR 2.2 CI 1.2-4.0) in patients 12 months of age or younger. The combination of age older than 12 months, RR 50 or greater, oxygen saturation 96% or less, and in children under age 12 months, nasal flaring, can be used in determining which young children with lower respiratory tract infection symptoms have radiographic pneumonia.

Barriers to Adolescent Prenatal Care

It is estimated that over one-half of all adolescent mothers receive inadequate prenatal care. Our objectives were to explore the barriers to care as perceived by adolescents and to develop a model to identify adolescents at risk for inadequate care. Structured interviews were conducted with 101 adolescents less than 17 years of age who delivered infants at an urban university hospital between September 1988 and January 1989. All the interviews were conducted within 48 hr of delivery by a single investigator. The Maternal Health Services Index was used to divide subjects into those who received inadequate care (Group 1, n = 37) and those who received intermediate or adequate care (Group 2, n = 64). Both groups were predominantly black (99%), poor (mean Hollingshead score = 2), and unmarried (99%). Groups 1 and 2 differed (p less than 0.05) in 12 variables pertaining to beliefs about prenatal care and course during the pregnancy. Of the 12 variables, 7 comprised a stepwise logistic regression model designed to maximally differentiate Groups 1 and 2--negative attitudes towards physicians (20% vs 6%), perceived importance of first trimester care (78% vs 94%), confusion about available prenatal services (24% vs 5%), lack of health insurance (41% vs 16%), exposure to pregnant friends (76% vs 95%), mean gestational age at recognition of pregnancy (15 wks vs 11 wks), and desire for an adolescent-only prenatal clinic (78% vs 58%). The adjusted odds ratios of the variables ranged in declining order from 15.4 to 4.7. The attributable risks, or etiologic fractions, of the variables ranged in increasing order from 0.19 to 0.49. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis of the model demonstrated a curve area of 0.89 +/- 0.04, significantly better than chance. We conclude that the model clarifies the barriers to care and helps identify pregnant adolescents who are likely to receive inadequate prenatal care.

Comparison of adolescent and young adult self-collected and clinician-collected samples for human papillomavirus.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the concordance between self-collected and clinician-collected samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. METHODS: Sexually active adolescent and young adult women aged 14–21 years (N = 101) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study of HPV testing. Participants self-collected vaginal samples for HPV DNA, and clinicians collected cervicovaginal samples for HPV DNA and a cervical cytology specimen. We determined concordance between the results of self- and clinician-collected specimens using a &kgr; statistic and McNemar’s test. RESULTS: Of the 51% of participants who were HPV positive, 53% had 1 type, 25% had 2 types, and 22% had 3 types or more; 25 different HPV types were identified. Self-collected samples detected more participants with HPV than clinician-collected samples (45% versus 42%, P = .65). When results were categorized into presence or absence of high-risk HPV types, agreement between self- and clinician-collected specimens was high (&kgr; 0.72) and the difference between test results was not significant (McNemar’s P = .41). However, when all HPV types detected were considered, agreement was perfect in only 51% of those with 1 or more types of high-risk HPV type. There was no association between agreement and age or HPV type. CONCLUSION: Self testing for HPV DNA may be sufficiently sensitive for the detection of high-risk HPV DNA among adolescent and young adult women in clinical settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3

Adolescent smoking: A review of prevalence and prevention

This review critically evaluates the extensive literature on the epidemiology and prevention of adolescent smoking. Trends in adolescent smoking attitudes and behavior as well as the immediate and long-term health consequences of adolescent smoking are discussed. The factors associated with adolescent smoking and several smoking interventions are analyzed. Suggestions are made for improving the evaluation of future programs designed to prevent adolescent smoking.

Acceptability of human papillomavirus self testing in female adolescents

Objectives: To develop scales assessing acceptability of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in adolescents, to compare acceptability of self to clinician testing, and to identify adolescent characteristics associated with acceptability. Methods: Female adolescents 14–21 years of age attending a hospital based teen health centre self collected vaginal samples and a clinician, using a speculum, collected cervicovaginal samples for HPV DNA. Acceptability of and preferences for self and clinician testing were assessed at baseline and 2 week visits. Results: The mean age of the 121 participants was 17.8 years and 82% were black. The acceptability scales demonstrated good internal consistency, reliability, test-retest reliability, and factorial validity. Scores were significantly lower for self testing than clinician testing on the acceptability scale and three subscales measuring trust of the test result, confidence in one’s ability to collect a specimen, and perceived effects of testing (p<0.01). Of those who reported a preference, 73% preferred clinician to self testing. Acceptability scores for both self and clinician testing increased significantly pre-examination to post-examination (p<0.01). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that race was independently associated with pre-examination and post-examination acceptability of self testing, and that sexual behaviours and gynaecological experiences were associated with specific acceptability subscales. Conclusions: This sample of adolescents found clinician testing for HPV to be more acceptable than self testing and preferred clinician to self testing. If self testing for HPV is offered in the future, clinicians should not assume that adolescent patients will prefer self testing. Instead, they should educate adolescents about available testing options and discuss any concerns regarding self collection technique or accuracy of test results.