Health Needs of High School Students in Detroit

Abstract

This project identified the health care needs and information concerns of high school students who were potential patients for a new adolescent health clinic in Detroit. Questionnaires assessed current health problems, information needs, and factors affecting use of health services by 613 predominantly black, urban, high school students at a regional high school (n = 187, X age = 16.8) and a neighborhood high school (n = 426, X age = 15). Reported health problems included eating the proper foods, school problems, acne, depression, and headaches. Expressed health information needs included skin problems, drugs, gender, and birth control. Differences among school, age, and gender were noted. Subjects preferred continuity of provider care and receiving health information by private, direct, patient-physician contact. The findings were used in staff training and in program planning for the adolescent health clinic for high-risk youth.