THE STATE OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH - LOOKING BACK AND PLANNING AHEAD

Purpose: A decade has passed since the 1986 Health Futures of Youth po licy-making conference was held. The present study aimed to examine pe rceived changes in the field of adolescent health since this conferenc e, as a basis for further planning in adolescent health and considerat ion of a possible follow-up conference. Methods: The study included tw o parts: (a) a mailed survey which was completed by 68 of 90 conferenc e participants; and (b) telephone interviews with a sample of leaders from federal agencies and major foundations and one professional organ ization serving youth in the United States. Results: Respondents perce ived that small to moderate improvements have occurred for 10 key reco mmendations made at the 1986 conference. There appears to be increased recognition of the special needs of youth and a greater understanding of the period of adolescence. Improvements in health-related activiti es and in research of health behaviors have occurred. However, perceiv ed setbacks have occurred at the intersection of health and social wel fare. The conference was viewed by respondents as having had a moderat e influence on the field of adolescent health and on the participants' own work and working relationships. In addition, policy-making confer ences were listed as the strongest source of influence on the agenda o f national agencies and foundations serving youth. Conclusion: A follo w-up conference is recommended and should focus on both health-related topics and issues of social welfare. (C) Society for Adolescent Medic ine, 1997.