Health needs of adolescents in secondary gynaecological care: Results of a questionnaire survey and a review of current issues

Abstract

The objective of this study was to undertake a survey of all obstetrics and gynaecology units in the United Kingdom to identify current views and facilities for the management of adolescents with gynaecological problems. A postal questionnaire was sent to all 248 departments of obstetrics and gynaecology in the UK. The survey was carried out by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on behalf of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Intercollegiate Working Group on Adolescent Health. In total, 137 replies were received, giving a response rate of 55%. Only eight centres were able to quote an exact figure for the number of adolescent attendees and this ranged from 0.0035% to 4.8% of new gynaecological referrals. The cut-off age for paediatric patients ranged from 12 to 18 years. In response to the question regarding the definition of ‘adolescence’, most units that responded stated the range 12–16 years (81 units) and a further 30 units stated 12–18 years. Despite these large variations and also the lack of certainty of both the age range of adolescents and local criteria, 64 units considered that adolescents in their area had special needs, mainly for family planning issues, teenage pregnancy and drug or alcohol abuse. Sixty-three units (46%) provided family planning clinics for adolescents, 24 (17.5%) had a teenage pregnancy clinic, 22 (16.1%) had an adolescent sexual health clinic and 11 (8%) had a clinic for intersex conditions and developmental disorders. In conclusion, there is no consensus on the age range of the adolescent population and a lack of data on the numbers of adolescents with different obstetric and gynaecological problems. There is a perceived need for better data collection and designated facilities for adolescents who have gynaecological problems. Currently, there are no national guidelines for the management and referral of specialized problems, which should be addressed as a matter of urgency.