Depressive symptoms, sexual activity, and substance use among adolescents in Kampala, Uganda.

Background: Adolescents experience high rates of depression, initiation of sexual activity, and substance use.

Objectives: To better understand the demographics of adolescents presenting to an adolescent clinic in Uganda, and to elucidate which factors are associated with depressive symptoms, sexual initiation, and substance use.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed on intake forms obtained during interviews with adolescents presenting to the Makerere/Mulago Columbia Adolescent Health Clinic (MMCAH) in Kampala, Uganda.

Educational Curricula and Programs in Adolescent Medicine for Health Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review.

Background: Adolescent medicine (AM) has been increasingly recognized as critically important to the health of individuals during their transition to adulthood. On a global scale, AM is often underprioritized and underfunded. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), education and AM training is developing, and AM physicians often are from general medicine backgrounds.

Paediatric immunisation and chemoprophylaxis in a Ugandan sickle cell disease clinic.

Aim: We aimed to assess the receipt of recommended care for young children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in a central SCD clinic in Kampala Uganda, focusing on standard vaccination and antibacterial and antimalarial prophylaxis.

Methods: A cross-sectional assessment of immunisation status and timeliness and prescribed antibacterial and antimalarial prophylaxis was performed in a sample with SCD aged ≤71 months in Mulago Hospital SCD Clinic. Government-issued immunisation cards and clinic-issued visit records for prescribed prophylaxis were reviewed.

Interviewing Adolescents About Sexual Matters.

To optimally address sex and sexuality, normalize gender and sexual diversities, and attend to adolescents' needs, clinicians will best serve their patients and their families by becoming comfortable initiating confidential, developmentally appropriate discussions with all adolescent patients. The goal is to create a safe, affirming, nonjudgmental space wherein adolescents may learn about sexual matters, discuss concerns, ask questions, and find support to assist them to achieve healthy, positive development. This article provides useful, practical suggestions to begin these conversations, offers specific examples and tips to encourage dialogue, and discusses ways to be a resource to adolescent patients.

"Energy Up": a novel approach to the weight management of inner-city teens.

There are few successful adolescent obesity prevention programs. We evaluated "Energy Up," an innovative program for inner-city girls that focuses on addictive food avoidance, exercise, and self-esteem building. Over a 9-month period, obese participants lost 12.