Need for services in a new urban teenage clinic for men

There has been excellent research in adolescent medicine in the last few years, research that is beginning to document the effectiveness of programs that can reduce high-risk behaviors. Adolescent clinics that feature medical care, condom availability, and clinic-based health education may change knowledge but do not change behavior. Linked programs that feature curriculum-based health education, conflict resolution, mentoring, and vocational and jobs programs may change knowledge and reduce risky behavior. There is little knowledge of what the pre-participation opinion of the teenagers is about such services. In this descriptive study of the first 46 entrants into a new teen clinic for males, clients were surveyed about which programs were desirable. Most of the clients felt medical care and free condoms were important. Many felt job-related services were desired. One half felt a general support group and health education related to sexually transmissible infections was desirable. Education about the types of services that are potentially effective may need to be provided to adolescent males to empower them to choose appropriate services.