Standards for health information technology to ensure adolescent privacy.

Privacy and security of health information is a basic expectation of patients. Despite the existence of federal and state laws safeguarding the privacy of health information, health information systems currently lack the capability to allow for protection of this information for minors. This policy statement reviews the challenges to privacy for adolescents posed by commercial health information technology systems and recommends basic principles for ideal electronic health record systems.

Insurance status of urban detained adolescents.

The primary goal was to describe the health care coverage of detained youth. An exploratory second goal was to describe the possible relationship between redetention and coverage. Health care coverage status was abstracted from electronic detention center records for 1,614 adolescents in an urban detention center (October 2006 to December 2007).

The consequences of juvenile detention reform for mental health and sexually transmitted infection screening among detained youth.

Purpose: To understand how diversion of low-risk youth from juvenile detention affected screening practices for detained youth.

Methods: In a 22-month cross-sectional study of 2,532 detainees (age, 13-18 years), mental health and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening data were compared before and after the beginning of diversion efforts through implementation of a Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI).

Results: Detention diversion resulted in a 30% census reduction.

Acceptability of the vaginal contraceptive ring among adolescent women.

Study Objective: Although underutilized, the vaginal contraceptive ring has several advantages over other contraceptive methods that could benefit adolescents. We examined factors that may influence willingness to try the vaginal ring including: sexual and contraceptive history, genital comfort, and vaginal ring characteristics.

Design: Cross sectional

Setting: Midwestern adolescent health clinics

Participants: Adolescent women (N = 200; 14-18 years; 89% African-American) INTERVENTIONS/MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants received education about the vaginal ring and viewed pictures demonstrating insertion; they then completed a visual/audio computer-assisted self interview.

Mental health screening and STI among detained youth.

Our objective was to understand the relationship between mental health screening results, health disparity, and STI risk among detained adolescents. In this 24-month cross-sectional study of 1,181 detainees (age 13-18 years), we examined associations between race, gender, mental health screening results (as measured by the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-2nd Edition) and sexually transmitted infection rates (STI; chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas). Consistent with previous research, females and black youth were disproportionately affected by STI.

Understanding sexual behaviors of adolescents within a biopsychosocial framework.

In this article, adolescent sexual behavior is discussed within a biopsychosocial framework. Prevalence rates for both coital and noncoital behaviors are presented, and trends in coital behaviors are noted over time. Special attention is paid to the role culture plays in the development of sexual behaviors.

Contraception and adolescents.

Although adolescent pregnancy rates in the United States have decreased significantly over the past decade, births to adolescents remain both an individual and public health issue. As advocates for the health and well-being of all young people, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly supports the recommendation that adolescents postpone consensual sexual activity until they are fully ready for the emotional, physical, and financial consequences of sex. The academy recognizes, however, that some young people will choose not to postpone sexual activity, and as health care providers, the responsibility of pediatricians includes helping teens reduce risks and negative health consequences associated with adolescent sexual behaviors, including unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Incidence and correlates of unwanted sex in relationships of middle and late adolescent women.

Objectives: To determine the 3-month incidence of unwanted sex and to examine relationship factors and health-risk behaviors associated with incident unwanted sex.

Design: Data collected from face-to-face interviews every 3 months in a longitudinal study with a minimum of 2 interviews and maximum of 10 across 27 months.

Setting: Primary health care clinics for teens in an urban setting.

Factors associated with time of day of sexual activity among adolescent women.

Background: Our objective was to describe familial, intrapersonal, and partner-related factors associated with time of day of sexual activity among adolescent women.

Methods: Annual questionnaires and daily diaries were collected from 106 adolescents. Participants contributed up to 3 questionnaires and 5 12-week diary periods over 27 months.

Sexual function, sexual abuse and sexually transmitted diseases in adolescence.

As adolescents progress through puberty, many biological changes occur and, for young women, this includes the onset of menses and the capability for reproduction. During this time, sexual identity is developed and expressions of sexuality become more frequent. Adolescent women engage in a variety of sexual behaviours, both non-coital and coital.

Pharmacists' attitudes toward and practices with adolescents.

Background: Adolescents often face barriers to health care. As pharmacists' scope of practice expands, they may be in positions to decrease barriers to care for adolescents.

Objective: To describe pharmacists' attitudes toward and practices with adolescents.