Association of Adolescents' Body Mass Index Classification With Preventive Clinical Care Receipt

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Medicine
• Public Health
• Preventive Care

Background:

• Adolescent well-visits are crucial for screening modifiable risk behaviors.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) categories are used to classify weight status in adolescents.
• Disparities in preventive care based on BMI may exist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in screening and advising for modifiable risk behaviors during adolescent well-visits.
• To analyze these differences based on body mass index (BMI) categories.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of the National Institute of Health's NEXT Generation Health Study data.
• Classification of 10th graders into underweight, normal-weight, overweight, or obesity BMI categories.
• Examination of screening and advice receipt for behaviors like smoking, alcohol, drug use, sexual activity, nutrition, and exercise.

Main Results:

• Overweight males had significantly reduced screening rates for smoking, alcohol, drug use, nutrition, and exercise compared to normal-weight males.
• Males with obesity and underweight males also showed reduced screening rates for specific behaviors.
• Females with obesity reported increased advice on nutrition and exercise compared to normal-weight females.

Conclusions:

• Overweight male adolescents face missed opportunities for preventive care due to lower screening rates across multiple risk behaviors.
• Healthcare providers may exhibit differential screening practices based on adolescent BMI.
• Further research is needed to address these disparities and ensure equitable preventive care for all adolescents.