Adolescent preferences for rooming during hospitalization

Nava O. Miller, Stanford B. Friedman, Susan M. Coupey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To determine adolescents' rooming preferences during hospitalization. Methods: A questionnaire designed by the authors was administered to 95 adolescents (59 inpatients and 36 outpatients) in 1996. Differences between groups were analyzed by Chi-square. Results: The adolescents were equally divided between a preference to room alone (40%) or with one other person (39%). Fewer adolescents (20%) preferred more than one other roommate. When analyzed by gender, females were significantly more likely than males to prefer to room alone [53% vs. 28% (χ2 = 5.34; p < 0.05)]. The majority of both inpatient and outpatient groups (93%) indicated a preference for a companion - in particular their mother - to stay with them overnight in the hospital during medically difficult times. Conclusions: These findings support our recommendation that there should be equal numbers of single and double rooms in adolescent inpatient units to accommodate these divided preferences among adolescents. Individual adolescent rooming preferences should be elicited and honored whenever feasible.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)89-93
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Adolescent Health
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1998

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Gender differences
  • Hospitalization
  • Inpatient units

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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