Runaway youths in a southern community: four critical areas of inquiry.
OBJECTIVE
Significant life events in runaway youth include the experience of abuse, school/legal entanglements, and sexual behavior.


METHODS
78 nonurban, runaway youths.


METHODS
The Structural Clinical Interview Instrument and the Coddington Life Events Scale were used for data collection.


RESULTS
The majority of respondents reported life situations replete with experiences of abuse, school/legal entanglements, high-risk sexual behavior, and significant life events. Significant gender differences were reported regarding sexual activity (p = .002). Significant positive associations exist between the use of birth control and sexual activity (p = .002), and between school suspensions and sexual activity (p = .01). A significant relationship exists between the use of birth control and the occurrence of abuse (p = .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Much research is needed to develop programs with a focus on prevention.
Warren
J K
JK
College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Gary
F A
FA
Moorhead
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012419:Runaway Behavior; D012940:Social Problems; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States