Witnessing community violence and health-risk behaviors among detained adolescents.
This study examines whether witnessing community violence, in the 12 months prior to juvenile detention, is related and health-related outcomes in the 2 months prior to being detained among 550 youth. Participants answered survey questions using audio-computer assisted self-interviewing procedures, which assessed demographic, problem, and drug and sexual risk behaviors. Multiple logistic regression analyses, controlling for significant covariates, indicated that adolescents, in the last 12 months, who reported witnessing community violence, relative to their peer witnessing no violence, were in the last 2 months prior to being detained, twice more likely to have suicidal threats, 2 times more likely to use marijuana and alcohol, 2 times more likely to get high on alcohol or other drugs during sexual intercourse, and 2 times more likely to have sex with a partner who was high on alcohol or other drugs. Finding suggest that detained youth, many of whom may not access traditional health care, should be offered prevention and intervention services during detention, which provides a critical window of opportunity for needed services.
Voisin
Dexter R
DR
School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, 969 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. d-voisin@uchicago.edu
Salazar
Laura F
LF
Crosby
Richard
R
Diclemente
Ralph J
RJ
Yarber
William L
WL
Staples-Horne
Michelle
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011329:Prisoners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*