Pediatrician's self-evaluation of adolescent health care training, skills, and interest.

The 1978 Task Force Report on pediatric education encouraged increased participation by pediatricians in the health care of adolescents. A survey of pediatricians in the Los Angeles County area was conducted to assess the pediatrician's self-evaluation regarding the medical and psychosocial problems of the adolescent, the problems of the sexually active teenager, and the pelvic examination. A questionnaire was used to assess competence, level of comfort, ability to counsel, prior training, and the importance and relevance of these areas to pediatricians' practice. Areas of least and greatest competence were examined. Our results support the conclusion of the 1978 Task Force Report on pediatric education that there is inadequate training in adolescent health care issues. This appears to be especially true for issues relating to the sexually active teen and the pelvic examination.