Sydney Youth: Breaking Away From the Medical Model of Health
Young people want a whole lifestyle approach to health rather than the traditional model based on diagnosis and disease, according to research published in the current issue of the Medical Journal of Australia, to be released tomorrow.
Dr Carolyn Kefford, Lecturer in General Practice at the University of Sydney, and colleagues, said health information needs to be available anonymously, and healthy lifestyles need to be promoted throughout the whole community, using youth workers and sporting leaders as role models.
In the relatively isolated Sydney suburb of Berowra concern about the levels of alcohol and marijuana use and perceived higher teenage pregnancy rates led the local community health centre to suggest establishing a youth-specific health clinic.
Researchers explored the need for a clinic in focus groups with 40 Berowra residents aged 14-24 where the aim was to identify perceptions of health, health concerns and health service needs among young people in the suburb.
"Personal safety is a primary health concern. The study found that young people associate boredom and lack of recreational facilities with increased use of drugs and alcohol, and are concerned that substance use and abuse is often associated with violence," Dr Kefford said.
"Health is more about quality of life than disease and illness.
"Most health information comes from sources other than health providers. Health education must enable young people to make wise choices for the future.
Dr Kefford said that although the transition from childhood to adulthood is often characterised by risk taking and other behaviour associated with injury and death, young people find it difficult to access primary health care services.
"Young people will only see a doctor if they perceive themselves to be severely ill. Barriers include cost, lack of knowledge about Medicare, concerns about confidentiality, embarrassment, fear and shame," Dr Kefford said.
The authors suggest health messages need to be promoted through non-traditional means, such as sporting venues and young adult role models. The websites of sporting clubs, church youth groups and scouting groups also deserve more consideration. They suggest the youth-developed website, Headroom, as a potential model for future youth health initiatives.
"The health information provided to youth needs to have a practical emphasis, particularly in the areas of sexual health, nutrition, drug action, communication skills, decision-making, conflict resolution, anxiety, depression and relationships.
"Young people also value meeting general practitioners in the school and community setting and not just in the doctor's consulting room," Dr Kefford said.
The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.
CONTACT Dr Carolyn KEFFORD (02) 9875 2626
Judith TOKLEY, AMA Public Affairs, 0408 824 306 / (02) 62705471