Keywords: Adolescent health/Primary care/ General practitioners

Background:

Adolescents often experience physical, psychological, and behavioral health challenges but rarely consult general practitioners (GPs), highlighting communication barriers and low engagement with primary care.

Research questions:

The aim of this study was to assess adolescents’ health-related behaviours and perceived health needs, and to explore communication barriers between adolescents and GPs.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey using the Teenage Health Questionnaire – Pre-Visit Questionnaire (PVQ), translated and culturally adapted, was administered to 1,245 adolescents aged 14–19 years in Northeast Italy. In parallel, 118 GPs completed a self-report questionnaire assessing their routine practices and preventive approaches to adolescent healthcare. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential methods.

Results:

Adolescents reported multiple physical and psychological concerns; however, across the different health domains, only 4.5% to 11% of them discussed these issues with their GP. Despite a high level of interest in information about sexual health and substance use, related discussions with GPs remained infrequent. Most GPs acknowledged the importance of dedicated consultations and confidentiality, although barriers to consistent preventive counselling were reported

Conclusions:

Findings indicate substantial unmet health needs among adolescents and persistent barriers in adolescent–GP communication. Strengthening structured communication strategies, confidentiality practices, and preventive education within primary care may improve adolescent engagement with healthcare services.

Points for discussion:

How can GP/adolescent communication be improved to better address adolescents’ reported health concerns?

What role do confidentiality and trust play in adolescents’ low engagement with primary care?

How can preventive activities and counselling be more systematically integrated into routine general practice care for adolescents?