Parental involvement in adolescent health and healthcare in school-based health centers

BACKGROUND: The creation of partnerships among health care professionals (HCPs) and families is one strategy to improve adolescent health; yet little is known about how parents and HCPs can work together in different settings. The aim of this study is to explore parental involvement in adolescent health and healthcare in school-based health centers (SBHCs).

METHODS: Participants in 3 North Carolina communities were recruited through 5 SBHCs for this study. We collected data from parents (N=10) through semi-structured interviews and from HCPs (N=34) through individual interviews and focus groups. Questions elicited information about their experiences working together and suggestions for improving parental involvement in adolescent healthcare. We used standard qualitative data analysis techniques to identify salient themes.

RESULTS: Although the location and hours of operation of SBHCs make them accessible for teens, the challenge of involving parents who are not on site and may work during clinic hours emerged as a common theme. Other themes included: clinic enrollment, perceptions about clinic services, parental trust, and confidentiality. Strategies to improve involvement included communication between parents, HCPs, and adolescents (*major theme), and the use of outreach and technology to give parents information about adolescent health.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights factors influencing parental involvement in adolescent healthcare that are particular to school-based settings and may inform efforts to improve adolescent health. Future research should develop interventions to encourage appropriate parental involvement in SBHCs, and assess their impact on teen health outcomes.