What are the most frequent diagnoses in adolescence? The reality of an Adolescent Medicine Clinic

Abstract

ObjectiveTo characterize the care flow and the primary diagnoses of an Adolescent Medicine Clinic.MethodsA retrospective descriptive study, with analysis of clinical processes of adolescents (10-18 years) seen at the Adolescent Medicine Clinic, from January 2006 to December 2013. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, number of visits, referring service and primary diagnoses according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. As to the variable age, the adolescents were divided into two groups: Group I comprised those aged 10-14 years, and Group II, 15-18 years.ResultsA total of 7,692 visits were carried out, in that, 1,659 first visits (22%), with an annual growth rate of 6%. The mean age was 14.2 years, and 55% of patients were female. The group of endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases was the most representative in our sample (34%), with obesity being the most frequent diagnosis in both sexes and age groups (23%), with a higher prevalence in males (13% male versus 10% female, p<0.001) and younger adolescents (18% in Group I versus 5% in Group II p<0.001). The group of mental and behavioral disorders was the second most prevalent (32%), affecting mainly females (39% female versus 22% male, p<0.001) and the older age group (39% Group II versus 27% Group I, p<0.001). Social problems were the primary diagnosis in 8% of visits.ConclusionMost diseases diagnosed have a strong behavioral and social component, particularly mental disorders and obesity. This specific type of diagnoses reinforces the need for a global approach for adolescents and specialized adolescent medicine units/clinics.

Adolescer Saudável: screening and follow-up of risk at school

“…(10) Contrary to what is found in other national studies related to adolescent medicine consultation, in this study, male prevalence was higher, (2,3,11) and literature demonstrates well the fact that boys generally seek health care less. (1,(11)(12)(13)(14) This study result can be interpreted taking into consideration that we were able to reach the group of boys through the application of the PSUA tool, which allowed us to invite them to a consultation in a school setting.…”

“…Despite the apparent concern in controlling their weight, adolescents are at nutritional risk due to the dietary mistakes they make, and the high percentage of body fat that many present. (21) In a nationwide study, (11) eating disorders were the most frequent mental disorders in consultation. Perhaps the fact that, in the present study, the physician conducted the interview making it more directed and detailed, explains the difference in responses between completion of the questionnaire and the data obtained at the medical appointment.…”

Changes of Physical Activity and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Adolescents from Different Countries during Covid-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

“…Being physically active benefits mental, physical, and social health [ 5 , 16 ], yet, existing evidence suggests a global pandemic of physical inactivity [ 4 ]. Abreu et al [ 17 ], in a study evaluating the reasons for medical consultations by adolescents, identified that most of the diseases diagnosed in this population have a strong behavioral and social component, with emphasis on mental illness and obesity. Such findings highlight the need for a global approach to adolescents, valuing healthy lifestyle practices [ 6 ].…”

Prevalência de tentativas de suicídio entre adolescentes e jovens

“…Um estudo que teve como objetivo conhecer os principais diagnósticos em um ambulatório geral que realiza consultas médicas e de enfermagem a adolescentes com problemas de saúde, entre 10 e 18 anos de idade, em Portugal, evidenciou que os transtornos mentais e de comportamento foram os mais prevalentes entre o grupo das meninas e entre o grupo dos adolescentes de 14 a 18 anos. As doenças mentais representaram o segundo grupo de diagnósticos mais prevalentes entre os adolescentes acompanhados por este ambulatório, sinalizando a importância de oferta de cuidado em saúde específico para esta população (12) .…”