The overall goal of this exploratory project is to improve the quality of adolescent health care. The project will address suboptimal adolescent care with respect to health risk behaviors, which can have serious health consequences. In particular, failure to address health risk behaviors among adolescents (e.g., smoking, substance abuse, poor diets, physical inactivity, and high-risk sexual behavior) contributes significantly to increased morbidity and mortality. Adolescents (11-17 years of age) constitute 17% of the population of the U.S., but they are responsible for only 7% of medical office visits. As a result, primary care providers have relatively less opportunity to evaluate and counsel adolescents in their offices than most other patients. Even when adolescents receive routine health care, open communication with their health care providers may be problematic. A national survey found that the majority of adolescent boys and girls in the U.S. report at least 1 of 8 potential health risks, but most (63%) had not spoken to their doctor about any of these (Klein & Wilson, 2002). Improved engagement and communication between adolescents and their primary care providers could increase the likelihood that effective preventive services and health care are provided. It could also improve the efficiency of health care services for adolescents, in terms of appointments kept and adherence to recommended screening or treatment recommendations.
US Code:
42 USC 299
Name of Law: Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.