Adolescents' use of school-based health clinics for reproductive health services: data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health
Crosby, R.A.; St Lawrence, J.
Journal of School Health 70(1): 22-27
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-4391 PMID: 10697810 DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2000.tb06442.xDocument Number: 210084
Offering reproductive health services to students through school-based clinics (SBCs) may be a valuable public health strategy. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this report describes adolescents' use of SBCs for family planning and STD-related services. Of more than 1,200 students receiving reproductive health services in the year preceding the survey, 13.3% received family planning services from a SBC and 8.9% received STD-related services. Rural residence, no driver's license, younger age, and minority ethnicity increased the likelihood of using a SBC for family planning services. Rural residence, minority ethnicity, male gender, having a physical exam from a SBC, and less perceived parental approval of sex increased the likelihood of using a SBC for STD-related services. Further research should determine factors that increase adolescents' acceptance of reproductive health services from a SBC.