Knowledge and education needs of pediatric residents regarding adolescent health Ergen sağlığı alanında asistan hekimlerin bilgi düzeyi ve eğitim gereksinimleri
Cocuk Sagligi ve Hastaliklari Dergisi, vol.69, no.1, pp.16-23, 2026 (Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 69 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Journal Name: Cocuk Sagligi ve Hastaliklari Dergisi
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, EMBASE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Page Numbers: pp.16-23
- Keywords: adolescent health, adolescent medicine, knowledge level, medical education, pediatric resident
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Karahan ZT, Ömürbek CE, Pehlivantürk Kızılkan M, Akgül S. (Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye). Knowledge and education needs of pediatric residents regarding adolescent health. Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Dergisi 2026; 69: 16-23. This study aims to assess the knowledge levels and educational needs of pediatric residents in the field of adolescent medicine. Designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study, it was conducted in two sessions between November 2024 and January 2025 by the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Hacettepe University İhsan Doğramacı Children’s Hospital. A total of 159 pediatric residents across Türkiye voluntarily participated. A knowledge assessment module, consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions covering core components of adolescent health and developed based on the literature, was administered to the participants. The results revealed considerable variation in knowledge levels across fundamental topics. While correct response rates were high in areas such as psychosocial interviewing, sexual health education, and Human Papillomavirus vaccination, significantly lower rates were observed for topics like diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, menstrual health, and substance use. Only a small proportion of participants had received formal training in adolescent medicine. The findings highlight notable gaps in pediatric residents’ knowledge and emphasize the need for greater integration of adolescent health into the medical curriculum. There is a clear necessity for structured educational programs and the support of adolescent health as a dedicated subspecialty to enhance diagnostic, clinical, and communication skills specific to adolescent care.