Connecting the adolescent male with health care.

Abstract

Starting in adolescence males use health care services less than females. Younger adolescent males who use existing services rely on access to their primary clinician: pediatricians adolescent medicine physicians family physicians internists or nurse practitioners. Older adolescent and young adult males obtain medical care from hospital emergency departments more often than primary care clinicians. Many adolescent males who do have contact with clinicians receive limited medical examinations whether for injuries or for sports physicals. There are few opportunities for preventive health messages or discussions with male adolescents; only one third report talking with a clinician about a reproductive health topic. Unfortunately utilization of health services decreases further as males leave high school and become increasingly disconnected from traditional venues that provide preventive health care services and education to young people. (excerpt)