Applied Evidence

Anticipating the care adolescents will need

Author and Disclosure Information

 

References

HIV. Globally, HIV impacts young people disproportionately. HIV infection also facilitates infection with other STIs. In the United States, the highest burden of HIV infection is borne by young MSM, with prevalence among those 18 to 24 years old varying between 26% to 30% (black) and 3% to 5.5% (non-Hispanic white).51 The use of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has recently been approved for the prevention of HIV. PrEP reduces risk by up to 92% for MSM and transgender women.58

Sexual identity

One in 10 high school students self-identifies as “nonheterosexual,” and 1 in 15 reports same-sex sexual contact.59 The term LGBTQ+ includes the communities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual individuals. Developing a safe sense of sexual identity is fundamental to adolescent psychological development, and many adolescents struggle to develop a positive sexual identity. Suicide rates and self-harm behaviors among ­LGBTQ+ adolescents can be 4 times higher than among their heterosexual peers.60 Rates of mood disorders, substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behaviors are also increased in the LGBTQ+ population.61

Suicide rates and self-harm behaviors among LGBTQ+ adolescents can be 4 times higher than among their heterosexual peers.

The LGBTQ+ community often seeks health care advice and affirmation from primary care providers. Resources to enhance this care are available at www.lgbthealtheducation.org.

Social media

Adolescents today have more media exposure than any prior generation, with smartphone and computer use increasing exponentially. Most (95%) teens have access to a smartphone,62 45% describe themselves as constantly connected to the Internet, and 14% feel that social media is “addictive.”62 Most manage their social media portfolio on multiple sites. Patterns of adolescents' online activities show that boys prefer online gaming, while girls tend to spend more time on social networking.62

Whether extensive media use is psychologically beneficial or deleterious has been widely debated. Increased time online correlates with decreased levels of physical activity.63 And sleep disturbances have been associated with excessive screen time and the presence of mobile devices in the bedroom.64 The use of social media prior to bedtime also has an adverse impact on academic performance—particularly for girls. This adverse impact on academics persists after correcting for daytime sleepiness, body mass index, and number of hours spent on homework.64

Continue to: Due to growing concerns...

Pages

Recommended Reading

ACR, AAD, AAO, RDS issue joint statement on safe use of hydroxychloroquine
MDedge Family Medicine
Decline in children’s COVID-19 cases slows
MDedge Family Medicine
Metformin for pediatric obesity? Researchers review the evidence
MDedge Family Medicine
Severe atopic dermatitis often puts a dent in quality of life
MDedge Family Medicine
Maternal chronic conditions predict cerebral palsy in offspring
MDedge Family Medicine
14-year-old girl • history of bullying • lack of social support • multiple linear scars on breasts • Dx?
MDedge Family Medicine
Vagisil offered teens a vaginal ‘glow up.’ Docs cry foul
MDedge Family Medicine
Is metformin effective for reducing weight in obese or overweight adolescents?
MDedge Family Medicine
Novel oral agent effective in teens with atopic dermatitis
MDedge Family Medicine
Heart health in pregnancy tied to CV risk in adolescent offspring
MDedge Family Medicine