Study: More children not receiving preventive care visits

A recent study published in the Annals of Public Medicine reveals that parents are less likely to schedule routine exams for their teens, reports KERO.

The study shows that of nearly 300,000 children from Minnesota, about one-third failed to attend one preventive care visit between the ages of 13 and 17. Furthermore, only forty percent saw a doctor once during those four years. However, each participant had either private or government health insurance.

Officials told the news source that teens who do not attend preventive care visits could be falling behind on immunizations and that problems such as substance abuse, eating disorders and sexually transmitted diseases may be overlooked. Experts recommend that teens get annual preventive medical attention and urge parents to schedule appointments.

Programs for troubled teens can help educate teens about the benefits of seeing a doctor for an annual check-up.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that mental health problems, including depression, apathy, withdrawal from friends and family as well as other psychological dysfunction are linked to substance abuse among teens.