Are teens missing out on health talks with their doctors?

Article

Physicians may not be discussing various high-risk health topics with teenage patients, according to a study in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Physicians may not be discussing various high-risk health topics with teenage patients, according to a study forthcoming in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

SH Adams et al surveyed 2,192 adolescents ages 12 to 17 who had received a physical exam within the last six months. Results showed that violence was the least-discussed topic between doctor and patient (brought up 15% of the time). More than 80% of teens did not discuss safety issues, such as seatbelts and helmets, and at least 70% did not discuss substance abuse. However, 76% of teens discussed nutrition and exercise with their physicians.

Although a six-month lag time in the study design may have introduced fading memory as a factor in the study, one of the survey responses did account for this variable.

The study will be accessible online in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Recent Videos
Robert Frenck, MD
3 experts are featured in this series.
3 experts are featured in this series.
3 experts are featured in this series.
3 experts are featured in this series.
Tina Tan, MD
3 experts are featured in this series.
3 experts are featured in this series.
3 experts are featured in this series.
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.