Risk behaviors that emerge during adolescence frequently lead to social and health consequences, such as unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, tobacco addiction, alcohol and drug abuse, and injuries. The assessment and monitoring of adolescent health is a priority for public health research at the Federal level. NHANES is designed to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States. Survey planning included: a) developing interview and examination protocols that would adequately inform researchers about adolescent health, b) crafting a consent process that would meet all the requirements of OPRR guidelines, and c) designing a sampling scheme to assure that adolescents are adequately represented in the survey. Adolescents aged 12-19 are over-sampled in the new survey. Health topic areas include: cardiovascular fitness, overweight and obesity, growth, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), mental health, sexual behaviors, and use of tobacco and illicit drugs. Parental permission is sought for youth to participate. However, adolescents are asked to sign an assent form assuring their autonomy in a decision regarding participation. Additionally, adolescents are allowed to receive confidential health information on STDs without parental involvement. The current NHANES protocol incorporates new survey methodology related to adolescent health research. The many challenges faced in planning surveillance of adolescent health have yielded a number of methodological successes.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participant will be able both the challenges and some solutions to measuring the health of adolescents in a national survey
Keywords: Adolescents,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.