Prevalence and Trends in the Utilization of Gynecological Services by Adolescent Girls in Germany. Results of the German Health Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS)

Abstract

There is only limited data available on the utilization of gynecological services in Germany. Based on data from the German Health Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) of the Robert Koch Institute, a survey carried out across all of Germany, this study aimed to examine the utilization of gynecological services by girls in Germany. Data from the KiGGS Wave 1 survey (2009 - 2012) was used to analyze the factors which affect utilization. The KiGGS baseline study (2003 - 2006) was used to analyze trends. The database consisted of a subsample from the KiGGS Wave 1 survey (n = 2575), the initial follow-up survey conducted by telephone after the baseline study. Data are shown as prevalence and mean with 95% confidence intervals. Correlations with selected influencing factors were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models. Differences between study populations were considered significant if p < 0.05. At the time of the KiGGS Wave 1 survey, 53.9% of girls aged 14 to 17 years had visited a gynecologist at least once. This percentage increased significantly with each additional year of life. For 61.9% of 17-year-old girls who had previously visited a gynecologist at least once, the first visit to a gynecologist occurred at the age of 15 or 16 years. Growing up with siblings was associated with a lower prevalence of utilization, while middle socioeconomic status, risky alcohol consumption and daily consumption of tobacco, and the utilization of general medical services were associated with a higher 12-month prevalence for the utilization of gynecological services. The utilization of gynecological services has increased significantly compared to the KiGGS baseline survey. Among girls there is a high need for information on issues of sexual health. Gynecologists are important but they are not the only port of call. Information needs should be covered as part of a coordinated approach which includes the involvement of all relevant stakeholders. Initiatives such as the WHO Action Plan for Sexual and Reproductive Health and its recommendations should be incorporated.

Einfluss des Schulrucksackgewichtes bei Grundschulkindern: Gang, Muskelaktivität, Haltung und Stabilität

“…Bis vor einigen Jahrzehnten waren Rückenschmerzen im Kindes-und Ju-gendalter eine Seltenheit. In der ersten Folgebefragung (KIGGS Welle 1) berichteten Krause et al jedoch von einer Prävalenz wiederholter Rückenschmerzen in den letzten 3 Monaten von 17,7 % bei 11-bis 17-Jährigen, von 3,8 % in der Altersgruppe 7-10 Jahre und von 1 % in der Altersgruppe 3-6 Jahre [22]. Somit spielt mit steigendem Alter eine Rückenschmerzproblematik eine zunehmende Rolle bis hin zu 80-90 % in der erwachsenen Bevölkerung, was einen gravierenden sozioökonomischen Faktor ausmacht.…”

Selbstuntersuchung von Hoden und Brust – eine retrospektive Kohortenstudie an Medizinstudierenden

“…Der direkte Kontakt zu einem/einer Urologen/Urologin wird von den meisten jungen Männern nur bei akuten Problemen gesucht. Im Gegensatz dazu ist die Anbindung von jungen Frauen an einen/eine Gynäkologen/Gynäkologin deutlich häufiger gegeben, so dass Fragen zu Themen wie Verhütung, sexuell übertragbare Erkrankungen und Krankheiten des Unterleibs sowie der Brust beantwortet werden können [ 9 , 18 ]. Dies trägt möglicherweise dazu bei, dass im Vergleich zu gleichaltrigen Männern Frauen der eigenen Gesundheit häufig mehr Aufmerksamkeit schenken und auch das Bewusstsein bzgl.…”

Oral health behaviour of children and adolescents in Germany. Results of the cross-sectional KiGGS Wave 2 study and trends

“…Unlike children and adolescents in the low status group, the utilization of dental check-ups by children and adolescents with high and in particular medium SES has increased significantly between the two survey points. KiGGS data showed in particular an increase over time in the utilization for children and adolescents of the medium status group also for paediatric and gynaecological services [ 42 , 43 ]. The risk groups for inadequate oral health behaviour that were identified by the KiGGS baseline study were also found in KiGGS Wave 2.…”