Year: 1988 Source: Journal of Adolescent Health Care, v.9 (1988), p.208-213 SIEC No: 20021014

A health needs assessment was developed to facilitate implementation of a comprehensive school-based adolescent clinic. Students were asked about their willingness to use a school-based clinic for certain health & emotional problems. 600 students in grades 9-12 completed anonymous self-administered questionnaires. 28% of respondents reported recently feeling depressed; 12% reported a prior suicide attempt. 25% of students felt they were overweight. Only 1/3 of the 56% who had had sex used birth control. 21% smoked cigarettes & 27% marijuana, 24% used other drugs, & 38% used alcohol. Students who reported depression & past suicide attempts were more willing to use counseling than other students. Students with perceived weight problems used the clinic for nutrition information more than other students. Respondents who used drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes, however, were no more willing than non-substance-using peers to use clinic services for relevant health information. (29 refs)