Outcomes of an Adolescent School-Based Health Initiative Needs Assessment

Adolescent School-Based Health Initiatives (ASBHIs) are designed to increase adolescent access to medical homes and services that are not otherwise available without significant barriers. ASBHIs have been proven to increase access to care for school-aged adolescents with unique needs and limited access to these much-needed medical services. For this descriptive study we conducted a needs assessment to understand and determine the needs and desires for a school-based health initiative in a middle school in the community. Survey topics included demographics, health care needs, and desired health resources. Most teachers (94%) and parents (83%) indicated that they would encourage their student/child to participate in an ASBHI program, and 57% of students reported that they would use an ASBHI program. Both parents (71%) and teachers (94%) indicated that student attendance would improve with an Adolescent School-Based Health Initiative. There is sufficient evidence for the need and utilization of an ASBHI program in this community.