A SHORT SURVEY FOR ASSESSING HEALTH AND SOCIAL-PROBLEMS OF ADOLESCENTS

Background. Many significant problems of adolescents are undetected an d untreated. To aid in the discovery of these problems, we have develo ped and tested picture-and-word charts for use in the classroom or the physician's office. This report presents the results of these tests a nd describes how the charts may be used. Methods. We assessed test-ret est reliability of the picture-and-word charts. We also compared pictu re-and-word chart scores with corresponding multi-item questionnaires. Six charts were determined to be the most effective in measuring mutu ally exclusive dimensions of health and social problems. We used these six charts to examine factors that might affect the distribution of c hart scores. Results. We administered the picture-and-word charts to a diverse population of 658 adolescents whose median age was 15 years. Compared with multi-item questionnaires, respondents found the charts easier to understand and less likely to induce dishonest replies. Girl s scored significantly worse (P < .001) than boys on the Physical Fitn ess and Emotional Feelings charts but better on the (at-risk) Health H abits chart (P < .001). The scores of teenagers known to have behavior al problems were worse on the Health Habits chart than were those of o ther adolescents (P < .001). Conclusions. The charts are an efficient and acceptable method for detecting health and social problems of adol escents.