The conversation between physicians and adolescents about health behaviors is very poor, far away from the recommendations, study concluded.

“Preventive measure is the most important part of quality primary care for adolescents,” Dr. Sally Adams said. Most of the diseases, which cause death in adolescents, can be prevented. In addition, “the health and lifestyle behaviors established during youth have long-lasting health effects through out the entire lifespan,” the researchers indicated.

Strategies have already been made by national agencies and professional organizations that recommend “all adolescents must have a confidential visit annually in which primary doctor screen and counsel teenagers’ for multiple risk behaviors.”

The researchers review the 2003 California Health Survey to inspect coverage of preventive measures during usual medical care for 2,192 patients from 12 and 17 years of age, who had a physical check up within the previous 6 months.

Youngsters reported if they talked about tobacco, alcohol, addictive drugs, seatbelt use, helmet use, protected sex, violence, physical work out and nutrition.

The whole statistics showed that, discussions about health matters ranged from 15 percent and 76 percent for nutrition and exercise. Adolescents discussed safety more than the violence and STDs in comparison with their older peers.

Lower-income and uninsured youngsters reported more discussion about health topics than higher-income and insured groups.

Researchers noted that it is quite common in pediatric clinicians “that they lack the skills needed to discuss sensitive health issues, so much of our work has concentrated on training programs that increase clinicians’ confidence to talk with adolescents in more comfortable atmosphere.”