Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112360

Annette L. Amey, PhD¹, Alissa Perrucci, PhD¹, and Maryjane Puffer, BSN, MPA². (1) Provider Services, California Family Health Council, 2550 Ninth Street, Suite 110, Berkeley, CA 94710, 510 486-0412 Ext 2318, ameya@cfhc.org, (2) Provider Services, California Family Health Council, Inc., 3600 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Background: Evaluation findings and lessons learned from projects were used to create a state-wide youth health program offering a menu of options to meet the needs of youth clients in their respective communities.

Objectives: Increase the number of male and female clients receiving reproductive health services and evaluate utilization of incentives, peer provider programs, and adolescent case managers and satisfaction with services.

Methods: Data were collected throughout the program to monitor utilization. Approximately 5,000 youth from 50 clinics in the program were surveyed from January, 2004 through April, 2004.

Results: Utilization increased 19% from 2001 to 2004. The youngest (13-17) and oldest (20-24) clients and males were significantly more likely to both receive an incentive and respond that an incentive is important. However, those who did not receive incentives did not recognize this as a factor in their seeking services. Trend tests show younger clients are: a) significantly more likely to talk to a peer provider, 42% of 13-17 year olds compared to 33% of 18-19 and 36% of 20-24 year olds and b) think that the availability of a peer provider is important, 44% of 13-17 year olds compared to 32% of 18-19 and 23% of 20-24 year olds. Few clients needed help with non-clinical case management services except for weight issues and finding/keeping a job.

Conclusion: Overall, youth were satisfied with the program. Younger clients show greater utilization and need of peer provider services but their use of incentives and case managers was inconclusive.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the two most effective interventions from a menu of seven program services intended to increase youth access to reproductive health in California.
• Identify three reasons why youth visit reproductive clinics and two criteria for choosing the specific clinic.
• Describe the two program interventions that youth are most satisfied with and why by age group.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Family Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation