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PURPOSE: To compare adolescents' report of topics they wanted to discuss with their providers with what they actually discussed, and whether they talked to their providers about their self-reported health risks. METHODS: We analyzed the 1997 Commonwealth Fund Survey of the Health of Adolescent Girls, a nationally representative sample of 6728 in-school adolescent boys and girls in 5th through 12th grade. Respondents reported on health risks, whether they believed their provider should discuss certain topics, and whether their provider did talk about health-related topics. Logistic regression was used to compare proportions and assess the associations among variables. RESULTS: Adolescents most frequently discussed healthy dietary habits (49%), weight (43%), and exercise (41%) with their clinicians but most frequently wanted to discuss drugs (65%), smoking (59%), and healthy dietary habits (57%). Overall, 70.9% of the sample reported at least one of eight potential health risks, but 63% of these adolescents had not spoken to their doctor about any of these risks. Using logistic regression models, having a female provider (odds ratio [OR] 1.41), obtaining health care information from a doctor (OR 1.72) and from the Internet (OR 1.50), speaking privately with their provider (OR 1.45), and reporting more total risk factors (OR 1.59) were each associated with having discussed any risks. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents want and need to discuss health care issues with their providers but often do not. Providing quality preventive care to adolescents will require increased physician screening and counseling about these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To explore adolescents' knowledge of and beliefs about dietary supplements, including herbs, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. METHODS: Eighteen focus groups with 81 adolescents in Monroe County, New York, explored teens' familiarity with and beliefs about CAM, specifically dietary supplements. We asked about general health beliefs and opinions of OTC medications to provide a framework for understanding how dietary supplements are conceptualized. Groups were conducted with suburban adolescents, urban minority adolescents, adolescents with chronic illness, (asthma, eating disorders, and diabetes), and patients of complementary/alternative practitioners ('CAM practitioners'). Transcripts were analyzed for themes relating to prevention ('staying healthy') and treatment of illness ('getting better'); direct quotations are used to illustrate adolescents' views. RESULTS: Most adolescents are familiar with 'herbal medicine,' 'herbal remedies,' or 'nutritional supplements,' and are able to name specific products or complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) therapies; however, many are unfamiliar with the term 'alternative medicine.' Adolescents are more familiar with remedies or CAM therapies commonly used by people from their own cultural or ethnic background. Older suburban females and those with chronic illnesses are more familiar with herbs and supplements than other adolescents. Most supplement use is conceptually linked with treating illness rather than with preventive care. CONCLUSIONS: Most adolescents are familiar with culturally based herbal products and nutritional supplements, used for treatment of illnesses, and not for preventive care. Providers and researchers should consider chronic illness status and culture/family tradition, and clarify terms, when asking adolescents about self-care, OTCs, or CAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]