In order to effectively intervene with high risk adolescents, it is necessary to talk to them, often at length. The more structured the initial interview is, the more comprehensive and time efficient it is likely to be. One recent effort to provide a quantified survey of risk factors is the West Virginia University Adolescent Risk Score (WVUARS).

Items included were nutritional status, exercise, drugs /alcohol/tobacco, sexual activity, school performance, depression, abuse, safety, violence, friends and family, good qualities and future plans. The instrument requires about eight minutes to administer. A score of zero indicates no risk; the highest possible score is 30. In the study group the greatest increase in risk-taking occurred between ages 14 and 15 years.

The authors feel the instrument is useful for the assessment of adolescent risk and also conducive to intervention and prevention planning. The ease of use of this instrument for evaluating biopsychosocial issues among adolescents may increase the number of adolescents whose problems are addressed. Repeat administration may be used to follow individual progress or to evaluate group change in risks as a result of interventions.

(Perkins, K. Clinical Pediatrics 1997; 36: 79-86)

COMMENT: The "chief complaint" that an adolescent presents initially very often is not the biggest problem, or even what is troubling them most. This type of survey/checklist approach to the interview allows students to provide information on all facets of their lives. Further information on the WVUARS can be obtained by writing Dr. Perkins at P. O. Box 9214, Morgantown, WV 26506-9214. - R.A.