Seeking clinic care for veneral disease: a study of teenagers

Seventy-three male and 68 female teenagers attending a VD clinic sponsored by Chicago Department of Health were surveyed to identify their reasons for visiting the clinic, symptoms experienced, and sources of VD information and referrals. Sex, previous VD history, and presenting symptoms were factors examined in the data analysis. More t han 75% of subjects visited the clinic without a previous VD history. The most frequently cited reason for seeking care for males was a suspected symptom of VD; whereas females' reasons were diversified. Unusual discharge and burning urination were common symptoms reported for both sexes. The chief source of VD information for all teenagers was friends. Mass media was reported as an important source of information for males, while females frequently cited health care personnel. Verereal disease symptoms, location of clinics, and awareness of the importance of early treatment emerged as important elements of VD education. The study suggested that the dissemination of VD information was more effective when a personal approach was utilized for both males and females. For early casefinding and treatment of VD, a personal approach seemed to play a key role in motivating the teenagers to seek health care.