CM Yu, MC Chiu, JTF Lau, AMK Mak

We have examined 2489 secondary school youths in Kwai Tsing district regarding their, health status, health care utilization, responses to their health problems, help seeking behaviour, health related life styles and behaviours.

In the preceding three months before tlle survey, 55% required to see a doctor for various disorders, 6.2 % visited A & E department and 2.7 % had at least one hospital admission 14.1 % claimed they suffered from anxiety while 11.6% reported insomnia 11.3% took at least one sick day off and 1.8% took more than 4 days Western medicine was preferred for most acute illnesses. Doctor shopping was common in 21.1% and 35.1% admitted non-compliance to medication. 30.6% would use over-the-counter drug for common illnesses. Only 51.1 % trusted their doctor while 36.1% found it troublesome and 14.4% feared to see a doctor. 17.4% believed that they can easily get sick and 5.6% admitted taking medication for health 34.7% female were on diet to keep fit and 66% would skip breakfast. 5.8% smoked cigarettes regularly. 4.5% worried being homosexual Teenage pregnancy with or without abortion may not be uncommon. Most felt that they had inadequate channels for consultation about health matters and would seek advise from mothers rather than teachers or social workers.

The survey reviews that the general health of adolescent in Kwai Tsing district is demanding more attention and demonstrates the unique pattern of health related behaviour in this age group which would affect the design of adolescent health care delivery.

This survey is supported by Kwai Tsing Development Fund