Perceived self-care capabilities of abused/neglected and nonabused/non-neglected pregnant, low-socioeconomic adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether abused and nonabused pregnant, low-socioeconomic adolescents differ in regard to perceived self-care capabilities.


METHODS
The sample (N = 36) consisted of 18 abused/neglected and 18 nonabused/non-neglected adolescents.


METHODS
The adolescents' responses on the Denyes Self-Care Agency Instrument were analyzed to determine significant differences between the two groups regarding self-care agency.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found between the two groups in regard to perceived relative valuing of health and perceived attention to health.


CONCLUSIONS
Although abused adolescents had a higher level of relative valuing of health and lower attention to health than their nonabused counterparts, findings show that both groups are capable of performing self-care and should be encouraged to do so.
Warren
J K
JK
Geropsychiatric Unit, Northeast Florida State Hospital, Macclenny, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000523:psychology*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires