The perspective and preferences of adolescents in addressing sensitive health topics with their family doctor - The influence of childhood adversities.

Abstract

To investigate whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence adolescents' perspectives and preferences in addressing sensitive health topics and their general perception of family doctor's care, and also to study the impact of addressing sensitive topics regarding adolescents' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Two hundred and forty-five tenth to twelfth grade students completed a questionnaire, comprising the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and scales to assess experiences, preferences, perspectives, the general perception of family doctor visits, and HRQoL. The total CTQ-SF score negatively predicted the preferences in addressing sensitive topics and the general perception of family doctor's care. Being asked about sensitive topics positively predicted the perception of family doctor's care and was positively associated with three dimensions of HRQoL. The greater the frequency of ACEs reported by the adolescents, the less willing they were to be asked about sensitive topics and the worse was the general perception of family doctor's care. However, when asked about sensitive topics, the adolescents had a more positive general perception and a better HRQoL. This study helps family doctors understand the need to adapt communication skills and to build a trustful relationship with adolescents who reported ACEs.