Adolescent Health Care Evaluation Study, 1984-1991

Abstract

This longitudinal study was originally designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a large scale program to improve health care for high-risk adolescents. Data were gathered from seven of the clinics receiving funding from the program and three comparison clinics. The first two waves of data were collected in 1984-1985 (N=2,788) and 1985-1986 (N=2,415). The predominantly working class sample was 76% female and 71% African-American. Data were gathered through a highly structured interview assessing such topics as reasons for attending the clinic, other health services used, physical and mental health status, family background, school adjustment, peer relations, stressful events, social adjustment and supports, health practices, and extracurricular activities. Portions of the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents (DICA) were included in the interview schedule to examine aggressive or antisocial traits, and portions of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) was used to assess drug and alcohol use/abuse, tobacco use, physical symptoms, and psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The second wave interview contained a section on changes in health status and satisfaction with medical services received at this time. Additional data were gathered on specific treatment for problems identified at wave one. Participants' medical records were also reviewed and abstracted using a structured protocol. The goal of the third and fourth waves was to examine how the combination of person and environment explains change in HIV risk behaviors during the transition from adolescence into young adulthood. A stratified random sub sample of the participants from the first two waves was followed up in 1989-1990 (N=602) and in 1990-1991 (N=548). Follow-up of participants may only be conducted with the collaboration of the contributor