The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine
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Comparative Study
Relationship between number of sexual intercourse partners and selected health risk behaviors among public high school adolescents.
To examine the relationship between number of sexual partners and selected health risk behaviors in a statewide sample of public high school students. ⋯ Prevention of adolescent sexual and other health risk behaviors calls for creative approaches in school and community settings and will require long-term intervention strategies focused on adolescent behavior changes and environmental modifications.
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Comparative Study
Inaccurate documentation of HIV-positive status in adolescents visiting an urban emergency department.
To identify the frequency of documentation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adolescents' serostatus during urban pediatric emergency room visits, and to examine possible differences between those whose HIV positive serostatus was and was not documented. ⋯ Human immunodeficiency virus-positive adolescents are seen in this emergency room and their records do not reflect their infection status. These data reinforce the need for universal precautions for every patient.
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To assess the influence of demographic variables and health risk status on adolescents' preferences and actual receipt of services regarding provider gender, sharing a physician with parents, and private examinations. ⋯ Gender was a significant variable in adolescents' preferences regarding health care. Preferences were also influenced by race/ethnicity, grade level, and risk status. A substantial proportion of adolescents, including those involved in health risk activities, report not having private time with their health provider.
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To explore the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among senior high school girls in Perth, Western Australia, its impact on school, sporting, and social activities, students' management strategies, and their knowledge of available treatment. ⋯ The prevalence and impact of dysmenorrhea on Grade 11 and 12 girls is high, and they lack knowledge of and experience with effective treatment. Health education measures are needed in this area to prevent unnecessary suffering and interruption to school routine.
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To explore associations of self-reported condom use with sexual risk knowledge and behaviors, perceptions of peer condom use, and communication with sexual partners about condom use among adolescent girls with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). ⋯ STD interventions for partner condom use among high-risk adolescent girls must recognize the decrease in condom use with increasing age and focus on maintaining safer sex behaviors, building condom use negotiation skills, and promoting the perception of condom use by friends.