Study of a population of adolescents at risk
Fonseca, H.; Vieira, C.; Costa, S.; Ramos, N.; Antunes, J.; Costa, A.
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health 8(2): 107-112
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0334-0139 PMID: 12347710 Document Number: 303488
The Relogio Health Care Clinic in Lisbon, Portugal, serves an average of 350 adolescents each year; however, the failed appointment rate is high in this subgroup, impeding effective service provision. To learn more about adolescent patients, all 201 young people who presented to the clinic in a 6-month period in 1993 were asked to complete a questionnaire. This sample included 102 males and 99 females; 142 respondents were 10-13 years old and 59 were 14-18 years of age. 72% were living with both parents; 21% had 5 or more siblings, and 42% were the oldest child. Close to 70% had failed at least 1 school grade and 7.5% had dropped out of school. Few reported access to organized social activities outside of school. Although alcohol use and cigarette smoking were acknowledged by only 5% and 6.5%, respectively, these are considered to be underreports. Finally, 18% (5 males and 10 females) of adolescents 13-18 years old were sexually active. The average age at first intercourse was 15 years. Most respondents claimed 4 or more sexual partners. Eight of the sexually active teens reported contraceptive use, usually to prevent pregnancy. Overall, these findings indicate a need for more structured programs for adolescents in this area to reduce their risk of engaging in high-risk behaviors such as drug and alcohol use and unprotected sex.