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Biomedical subjects

Amy B Middleman

Publications and source records attributed to Amy B Middleman.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Homeless adolescents: common clinical concerns.

Homeless youth are at alarmingly high risk for a myriad of physical and psychological problems as a result of both the circumstances that prededed their homelessness, and as a direct consequence of life on the streets. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, trauma, tuberculosis, uncontrolled asthma, and dermatologic infestations are a few of the health problems with which these youth commonly present. These somatic problems are compounded by high rates of drug and alcohol abuse as well as depression and suicide. Despite the obvious need for medical services, homeless youth often do not receive appropriate medical care due to numerous individual and systems barriers impeding health care access by this population. In addition to the barriers experienced by the adult homeless population, homeless adolescents confront further hurdles stemming from their age and developmental stage. Some of these impediments include a lack of knowledge of clinic sites, fear of not being taken seriously, concerns about confidentiality, and fears of police or social services involvement. Improved access to appropriate health care is necessary if we are to better support and care for this population of young people. To effectively manage and treat homeless youth, individual providers must be aware of the diagnoses associated with homelessness, as well as the community resources available to these youth. Finally, providers need to be the voices advocating for improved services for this disadvantaged and silent population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Adolescent sexuality and sexual behavior.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and physical, as well as cognitive, development. It is within this context that adolescent sexual development and sexual behavior occur. While curiosity and experimentation are normal, sexual behaviors, both coital and non-coital, place adolescents at risk for undesired consequences including sexually transmitted disease acquisition and pregnancy. Trends in adolescent sexual behavior are changing, and health care professionals must be aware of these trends to provide necessary medical care and education to this population. RECENT FINDINGS: While the sexual activity of teenagers garners much attention, attention must also be directed at non-coital activities such as masturbation, mutual masturbation and oral sex, as the riskier of these behaviors appear to be increasing. The trends in sexual activity and contraceptive use are encouraging with a decrease in the proportion of adolescents reporting sexual activity, and an increase in the proportion reporting using contraception. These trends, however, are not shared equally among racial groups with the greatest decline reported in the in lowest risk groups. Sexual minority youth continue to report a higher prevalence of high-risk behaviors, both sexual and non-sexual, as compared to their heterosexual peers. SUMMARY: These findings highlight the multiple roles health care professionals can play in caring for this unique population: firstly as health care providers, offering age appropriate, confidential health care; secondly, as reproductive health care educators providing factual, balanced, and realistic information to both teenagers and the community; and thirdly, as advocates lobbying for greater education and services for this at-risk population.

Adolescent↗