Pediatric Rheumatology
Preparing for adulthood: Health care transition counseling for youth with arthritis
Article first published online: 30 DEC 2008
DOI: 10.1002/art.24088
Copyright © 2008 by the American College of Rheumatology
Additional Information
How to Cite
Scal, P., Horvath, K. and Garwick, A. (2009), Preparing for adulthood: Health care transition counseling for youth with arthritis. Arthritis Care & Research, 61: 52–57. doi: 10.1002/art.24088
Publication History
- Issue published online: 30 DEC 2008
- Article first published online: 30 DEC 2008
- Manuscript Accepted: 4 SEP 2008
- Manuscript Received: 9 MAY 2008
Funded by
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Grant Number: K08-HS015511
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act)
- Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, through The Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs (Leadership in Nursing). Grant Number: T80-MC00010
- Abstract
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- Cited By
Abstract
Objective
To determine the proportion of adolescents with arthritis who receive health care transition services and to compare the rates with those reported for adolescents with other special health care needs and adolescents with diabetes.
Methods
We used data from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. A parent/guardian identified youth ages 12–17 years with arthritis (n = 1,052), diabetes (n = 389), and special health care needs (n = 18,189). Four questions examined the extent to which providers discussed health care transition issues, including 1) transfer of care to adult providers, 2) health care needs of adults, 3) acquiring health insurance, and 4) encouraging self-care responsibility. Bivariate comparisons assessed the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and health care transition services, and multivariate regression models compared outcomes between conditions.
Results
Many adolescents with arthritis are being encouraged to assume self-care responsibilities (74.8%); fewer discussed how health needs will change in adulthood (52.1%), acquiring insurance (22.5%), or transferring care to a provider who sees adults (19.0%). These results are similar to youth with other special health care needs, but behind youth with diabetes.
Conclusion
Among this sample of US adolescents, many report discussions about health care needs and self-management, but few are addressing critical aspects of the transition to adult-oriented health care.

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