Common sexually transmitted infections in adolescents.

Adolescents are often at higher risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Medical providers should be alert for both asymptomatic and symptomatic STIs, and follow appropriate screening guidelines. Moreover, providers need to know how to best administer adolescent-friendly confidential care, treatment, and health education in the primary care setting.

Measuring school health center impact on access to and quality of primary care.

Purpose: School health centers (SHC) that provide comprehensive health care may improve access and quality of care for students; however, published impact data are limited.

Methods: We evaluated access and quality of health services at an urban high school with a SHC compared with a school without a SHC, using a quasiexperimental research design. Data were collected at the beginning of the school year, using a paper and pencil classroom questionnaire (n = 2,076 students).