Adolescent health care evaluation study

This longitudinal study was originally designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a large scale program to improve health care for high-risk adolescents. Data were gathered from seven of the clinics receiving funding from the program and three comparison clinics. The first two waves of data were collected in 1984-1985 (N=2,788) and 1985-1986 (N=2,415). The predominantly working class sample was 76% female and 71% African-American. Data were gathered through a highly structured interview assessing such topics as reasons for attending the clinic, other health services used, physical and mental health status, family background, school adjustment, peer relations, stressful events, social adjustment and supports, health practices, and extracurricular activities. Portions of the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents (DICA) were included in the interview schedule to examine aggressive or antisocial traits, and portions of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) were used to assess drug and alcohol use/abuse, tobacco use, physical symptoms, and psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The second wave interview contained a section on changes in health status and sat