The role of general practice in promoting teenage health: a review of the literature

Abstract

Walker ZAK and Townsend J. The role of general practice in promoting teenage health: a review of the literature. Family Practice 1999; 16: 164-172. Background and methods. Teenagers are acknowledged to be at high risk of health-damaging behaviours including smoking, teenage pregnancy, and drug and alcohol use. Additionally, the recognition of high levels of psychological distress is cause for serious concern about teenage health. This paper reviews health promotion interventions for teenagers in general practice. Medline, BIDS, Psyclit and SIGLE databases for January 1990-February 1997 were systematically searched for English language studies on adolescent/teenage health and health promotion interventions in primary health care/general practice; reference sections of articles were checked for earlier work. Conclusions.The literature indicates that teenagers rarely receive health promotion advice from their physicians. The impact on behaviour change, of screening and health promotion for teenagers in general practice requires further evaluation to asssess the potential effectiveness in preventing the onset or continuation of health-damaging behaviours.

Unmet medical care and sexual health counseling needs—: a cross-sectional study among university students in Uganda

“…[12][13][14]17 Findings from studies done in the United Kingdom similarly have found that issues related to confidentiality and embarrassment influence the health care-seeking behavior of youth more than cost. 18,19 Many young people in the U.K. report that they do not turn to others for help with sexual health problems. 20 In sub-Saharan Africa, sexual and reproductive health services generally target older married women, although there are a few service centers that also serve single young men and women.…”

Teenagers' views on general practice consultations and other medical advice

“…This has worrying implications for health service aims to improve teenage health in general, and sexual health in particular. [1][2][3]14 An aim of primary care should be to encourage attendance for all teenagers when they have health concerns. This study suggests that there is a continuing need to change teenagers' perceptions and skills as well as improving services.…”

“…[1][2][3] Many reports of teenage opinions on services indicate that present services could be improved. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] It is suggested that 'satisfied' teenagers will use primary care services appropriately.…”

Perception of Adolescents Towards Health Related Issues in Secondary Schools, Kuwait

“…The Centers for Disease Control define adolescence from age 10 to 24 years, the Maternal Child Health Bureau defines adolescence from age 11 to 21 years, and according to WHO definition adolescents are persons between 10 -19 years. Adolescence is further divided into early, middle, and late (1,2). Adolescence is a period of rapid transition as adolescents go through many physical, psychological, sexual and behavioral changes.…”

“…Most mortality in adulthood has its roots in the adolescent period. WHO estimates that 70% of premature deaths among adults are due to behaviors initiated during adolescence (2,4).…”