Health screenings for teenagers are justified for that reason.
The Jugendgesundheitsuntersuchung (J1), known as the J1 examination in English, is a preventive health check-up for adolescents in Germany, typically between the ages of 12 and 14. This vital health assessment aims to evaluate the physical health, mental well-being, and social development of young people as they transition into adulthood, offering early detection and preventive counseling.
The J1 examination process is thorough, encompassing various aspects of adolescent health. It includes a medical examination covering height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing, and skin checks. The examination also screens for common adolescent health issues such as sexual health, nutrition, mental health, and substance use.
During the consultation, lifestyle topics like school performance, family relationships, and risk behaviours are discussed. Depending on the region, additional tests like urine or blood tests may be conducted.
Young people are encouraged to bring their vaccination record (Impfpass), any previous medical documents, and often a questionnaire filled out by parents or the adolescent themselves before the exam.
Regarding confidentiality, discussions in the consultation room during the J1 examination are confidential, even for patients under 18 years old. However, an exception to medical confidentiality occurs when a serious illness is diagnosed, in which case parents will be informed.
Young people have the option to decide whether the doctor's office should inform their parents about the J1 results. The J1 examination is offered in children and youth health practices as well as general practitioners' offices.
It is important to note that the J1 examination is free of charge and voluntary. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), less than half of families make use of the J1 examination.
Young people can attend the J1 examination alone or with a friend. If available, young people should bring the yellow U examination booklet to the J1 examination. The J1 examination checks the vaccination record and advises on any missing vaccinations, such as those against Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
In summary, the J1 exam in Germany is a comprehensive adolescent health check emphasizing early detection and preventive counseling. It covers physical and mental health, lifestyle factors, and requires adolescents to bring medical documents. Results are primarily communicated to the adolescent, with parental involvement balanced by confidentiality considerations.
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