Table 2. General profile of adolescents monitored in pediatric outpatient clinics, separated by age — either younger or older than 16 years — and frequency of positive responses in the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (“Yes, I have already started doing this” or “Yes, I always do this when I need to”). A questions are part of medication management, B of consultation management, C of monitoring of health problems, D of communication with health professionals, and E of management of daily activities.
| Characteristics and questions | <16 years | ≥16 years |
|---|---|---|
| Patients (n=102) | 54 | 48 |
| Female (n=57) | 31 (56%) | 26 (55%) |
| Has referring doctor (n=51) | 29 (52%) | 22 (46%) |
| With escort during consultations (n=96) | 54 (100%) | 42 (89%)* |
| Median follow-up time (4.5 years) | 3 | 6* |
| Median Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire score (58) | 54 | 62* |
| A1 Brings a prescription to the pharmacy to purchase medications | 47 (85%) | 42 (89%) |
| A2 Knows what to do if you have side effects to medications | 29 (52%) | 34 (72%)* |
| A3 Takes medication by themselves and correctly | 38 (69%) | 39 (83%) |
| A4 Gets more medication before it runs out | 40 (74%) | 42 (89%)* |
| B1 Makes calls to schedule consultations | 30 (54%) | 38 (82%)* |
| B2 Follows referrals for laboratory tests | 44 (81%) | 45 (95%)* |
| B3 Arranges their own transportation for going to consultations | 36 (65%) | 42 (89%)* |
| B4 Calls the doctor to talk about health issues | 4 (7%) | 13 (27%)* |
| B5 Gets a health plan if the current coverage is lost | 18 (33%) | 17 (36%) |
| B6 Is able to tell whether their coverage is public or private | 40 (72%) | 35 (74%) |
| B7 Manages money and/or budget household expenses | 9 (16%) | 15 (32%) |
| C1 Fills out medical history and allergy list forms | 28 (51%) | 33 (70%)* |
| C2 Has a schedule or list of medical consultations and other appointments | 29 (52%) | 38 (84%)* |
| C3 Devises a list of questions or doubts before going to the doctor | 27 (49%) | 30 (63%) |
| C4 Has financial help to study or work | 52 (96%) | 38 (81%)* |
| D1 Tells the doctor or nurse what you are feeling | 52 (94%) | 45 (98%) |
| D2 Answers questions asked by medical staff members | 53 (100%) | 45 (98%) |
| E1 Helps prepare or plan meals | 33 (60%) | 28 (59%) |
| E2 Keeps the house or room clean or helps in cleaning | 40 (72%) | 41 (87%) |
| E3 Uses neighborhood shops and services | 53 (96%) | 44 (93%) |
*
p<0.05, χ2 test and Mann-Whitney test.