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Adolescent health services--through their eyes
A C Oppong-Odiseng1, E G Heycock
1New Derbyshire Children's Hospital, Derby City General Hospital NHS Trust.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Adolescents demonstrated poor knowledge of local health services, with preferences varying by issue. Future services must address confidentiality concerns and incorporate adolescent preferences for effective care delivery.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Healthcare Services Research
Background:
- Adolescents require accessible and appropriate local health services.
- Understanding adolescent health service utilization is crucial for service planning.
- Knowledge gaps and preferences influence healthcare seeking behaviors in youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess adolescents' knowledge and utilization of local health services.
- To identify preferred health service providers among adolescents.
- To explore adolescent views on desired healthcare services and confidentiality.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive survey utilizing a two-stage probability sample.
- Confidential interviews with 253 adolescents aged 14-15 years.
- Semi-structured questionnaire administered in secondary schools in Stoke-on-Trent.
Main Results:
- Adolescents exhibited poor knowledge of some local health services.
- Service provider preference differed based on the nature of the health problem.
- Key factors influencing adolescent views on confidentiality were identified.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents need improved information regarding available local health services.
- Addressing confidentiality concerns is vital for adolescent engagement with health services.
- Future health service development should prioritize adolescent preferences and needs.