The Commonwealth Fund Survey of the Health of Adolescent Girls

Abstract:
During the 1996-97 school year, 6,748 girls and boys in grades 5-12 completed questionnaires on a range of topics, including abuse and violence, mental health, risky behaviors, access to health care, and communication with providers. Comparisons were drawn between girls and boys and between 'younger girls or boys' (grades 5-8) and 'older girls or boys' (grades 9-12). The survey found disturbingly high rates of reported abuse, depressive symptoms, and behaviors that can put health at risk and have potential lifelong consequences. More than one in five high school girls reported sexual or physical abuse; one in four girls exhibited depressive symptoms. A significant proportion of adolescent girls were putting their health at risk through frequent smoking and drinking, destructive eating patterns, and lack of exercise. In addition, a significant proportion of adolescent girls do not have access to health care when they need it, and when they do get care, physicians often do not address their concerns. Recommendations for improving the health of adolescent girls focus on such topic areas as health behaviors, mental health and depression, violence and abuse, health information and sources of support, access to health care, and research.


Date Published: 6/1/1997

Pages: 27

Location Code: 8217