Prevalence and impact of chronic illness among adolescents

Article Abstract:

Adolescence is a period of physical growth and sexual, intellectual, and psychological maturation, which can lead to stress. This transition period may be particularly difficult for adolescents who have chronic physical or mental illnesses. The prevalence of these illnesses among teenagers may be increasing, partly due to advances in diagnosis and treatment which allow those with certain conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, leukemia, and congenital heart defects, to survive longer. In addition, other conditions such as asthma may be increasing in prevalence. However, relatively little is known about the actual prevalence of chronic disorders in teens or the impact of chronic illness on adolescent development. A new set of nationally representative data from 7,465 adolescents allows analysis of these issues. Chronic conditions were reported in 31.5 percent of the teens, and almost one-third of affected teens had multiple conditions. Prevalence was generally similar regardless of sociodemographic features, gender, and age group. Chronic conditions were reported more often in the West (than in the South), in suburban and rural regions (than in urban areas), and in white teens (than in minority youths). Respiratory allergies and asthma were the most common conditions, with headaches and skin conditions following with much lower prevalence rates. Arthritis and musculoskeletal problems were more prevalent among older teenagers, while speech defects and digestive allergies were common in younger teens. Boys were more apt to have speech defects, while girls were more apt to be anemic. Chronic illnesses caused an average of 4.4 days of absence from school. Activity limitations were reported in 16 percent of teens with chronic illness, and restrictions were greater in teens with multiple or more severe disorders. Behavioral problems were more common in adolescents with chronic conditions. Problems with peer conflict and social withdrawal were detected, and appeared to be related to the severity of the disorder. The report indicates that teenagers with chronic conditions have special needs which should be recognized by pediatric health care providers. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Demographic aspects, Teenagers, Youth, Chronic diseases in youth

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Infection after farm machine-related injuries in children and adolescents

Article Abstract:

Injuries sustained in farm accidents are usually serious in nature and subject to severe bacterial infection. The role of infections in farm-related injuries and their management was studied, retrospectively, with 68 patients, aged 1 to 19 years, who were admitted to and treated at the Mayo Clinic and affiliated institutions in Rochester, Minnesota. Only patients with injuries unique to a farm were included in the study. Based on the nature of the injury, patients were divided into groups: (1) large bone fractures, amputations, severe lacerations and invasions of sterile cavities; (2) skin breaks, amputation of fingers, and avulsion (tearing away) of nonbony tissue; and (3) roll-over or crush injuries and those not involving disturbance of intact skin barriers. Infections were described as: (1) having a purulent (pus laden) discharge; (2) other localized evidence of spreading infection (redness, swelling, tenderness); and (3) isolation of infectious agents from the wound site or discharge. All wound specimens were examined microscopically, Gram stained (a primary staining procedure used in the identification and characterization of bacteria), and cultured for the presence of aerobic (requiring oxygen for growth) and anaerobic (grow in the absence of oxygen) bacteria. Injuries resulted from cutting devices, power tools, augers, screw and chain-driven equipment, milling machinery and farm vehicles. As expected, penetrating wounds (Group 1), were most prone to infection, extended hospitalization, antibiotic treatment and surgical intervention. Most wounds yielded multiple bacterial isolates, predominantly Gram-negative enteric (intestinal) organisms. The choice of antibiotic therapy is specified. The appropriate and prompt efforts of all care-givers is essential in minimizing the morbidity and mortality of farm-injured children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Agriculture, Infection, Safety and security measures, Workplace accidents, Equipment and supplies, Complications and side effects, Agricultural equipment, Wounds and injuries, Injuries, Bacterial infections, Children's accidents, Agricultural machinery

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