Author:

• Maria da Graça Vinagre - Vinagre, M.G - <gvinagre@esel.pt)>
ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9610-9806

Co-author(s):

• Luísa Barros - Barros, L - <lbarros@psicologia.ulisboa.pt>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5075-0104

Abstract:

Adolescents underutilize health services, especially for surveillance purposes, which is a concern for professionals. Because adolescence is a crucial phase in acquiring healthy behaviors and attitudes that facilitate access to these services, finding ways to respond to the specific needs of adolescents through their participation is an important investment in the well-being of future generations. This is an exploratory, descriptive and qualitative study with two phases, aiming to identify and analyze adolescents\' ideas and preferences about healthcare. Eight group interviews were conducted with 64 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years: four focus groups (phase 1) and four nominal groups (phase 2). Data was submitted to content analysis. The adolescents revealed both favorable and unfavorable opinions, highlighting a set of preferences regarding services’ conditions, like a short waiting period, more comfortable and less crowded settings. Concerning the professionals’ attitudes, they emphasized their technical competencies, such as knowledge and experience, although associated with relational competencies. These findings support the need for changes in the organizational practices, and particularly in the professionals’ attitudes.

Keywords:

Adolescents, Healthcare, Healthcare Services, Qualitative Research

Content:

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