RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
concerns often overlooked during the medical visit
Hassan, A., Blood, E. A., Pikcilingis, A., Krull, E. G., McNickles, L., Marmon, G., Wylie, S., Woods, E. R., & Fleegler, E. W. (2013). Youths' health-related social problems: concerns often overlooked during the medical visit. Journal of Adolescent Health, 53(2), 265-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.02.024
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to (1) measure the prevalence of health-related social problems among adolescent and young adult primary care patients; (2) estimate previous screening and referral experiences; and (3) examine participant attitudes toward screening and referral.
METHODS: Data were collected as part of a cross-sectional study conducted in an urban young adult clinic. Patients aged 15 to 25 years completed a computerized questionnaire screening for health-related social problems in nine social domains. In addition, participants answered questions about their previous screening experiences, need for referrals, and their experience using the system.
RESULTS: Seventy-six percent (304/401) of youth screened positive for at least one major problem, including healthcare access (37%), housing (34%), and food security (29%). Forty-seven percent (190/401) experienced major problems in two or more social domains. The prevalence of screening in the past year for each domain averaged 26%; 3% were screened in all nine domains in the previous 12 months and 33% were not screened in any domain. Overall, 75% needed a referral within the previous year, and 42% identified at least one unmet referral need. The majority (84%) of participants reported that it was acceptable to screen for these problems.
CONCLUSION: Prevalence of health-related social problems among youth is high. The majority needed at least one referral for a social need in the previous year. Primary care physicians would benefit from improved systems for screening and referral of health-related social problems in order to create a comprehensive medical home for their patients.